Dr L.E. Faught (Erin)

My research program focuses on the effects of stress, both negative and positive. Our overarching goal is to find ways to mitigate or temper the negative effects of stress. Using the zebrafish as a model, we primarily examine the impact of stress on immune function and behaviour. In particular, we study how the stress hormone cortisol and its receptors, the glucocorticoid and the mineralocorticoid receptor, impact immune function, metabolism, and behaviour. We currently have several interconnected research lines examining:

i) The positive effects of stress on immune function. Using transgenic zebrafish lines, we have demonstrated that short periods of stress can enhance the immune system, and we are currently working to understand how this happens by identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms.

ii) Role of corticosteroid receptors in stress-mediated behaviour. We are working on determining how the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors interact to mediate different stress-related behaviours in zebrafish.