Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Marina Guizzetti, Ph.D.

Research Scientist, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
marinag@u.washington.edu
206-543-8644
University of Washington, Box 354695
Seattle, WA 98195-4695

Dr. Guizzetti researches the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on interactions between neurons and astrocytes, glial cells that play an important role during brain development as they regulate neuronal survival, migration, and differentiation. Her results show that ethanol contributes to the brain damage observed in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) by affecting the release of proteins and lipids from astrocytes.

Astrocytes modulate the growth of neurons and synapses by releasing neuroactive proteins and peptides and regulating the composition of the extracellular matrix. Recent research by Guizzetti and colleagues shows that stimulation of astrocyte muscarinic receptors induces neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons grown in culture, and that ethanol inhibits this interaction.

Guizzetti also investigates the effect of ethanol on cholesterol homeostasis. Several of the neurodevelopmental effects caused by ethanol exposure are consistent with those caused by lack of cholesterol, which is necessary for various aspects of brain development. By upregulating ABC cholesterol transporters and cholesterol efflux in astrocytes and neurons and by affecting the amount and composition of lipoproteins secreted by astrocytes, ethanol may cause cholesterol depletion in the central nervous system. These studies could lead to the revision of dietary guidelines for pregnant women at risk. They may also increase understanding of why the prevalence of FASDs is so high in some very poor regions of South Africa where populations experience severe malnutrition.

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu