University of Pennsylvania: School of Veterinary Medicine

Tracy L. Bale Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

Department of Animal Biology
3800 Spruce Street
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia , PA 19104-6010

Qualifications

1997 Ph.D. pharmacology/neurobiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
1992 BS molecular biology/genetics, Washington State University

Memberships

Society for Neuroscience
Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
Endocrine Society

Clinical Interests

Obesity
Depression
Stress-related disorders

Research Interests

The main interest of this laboratory is deciphering the role stress plays in disrupting homeostasis. The specific areas we are interested in include the effect stress has on the development of depression, anxiety, and obesity and metabolic disorders. We are interested in how neuropeptides produced in the hypothalamus regulate stress responsivity. A key factor modulating stress responses is the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). CRF and its family of ligands and receptors (CRFR1 and CRFR2) regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis by coordinating functions such that homeostasis is maintained. Dysregulation of this axis can lead to the development of stress-related mood disorders including anxiety and depression. We are interested in understanding the genetics behind heightened stress sensitivity and in determining the effects this has on gestational development as well as on long-term physiological, behavioral, and emotional health. In these efforts, we utilize a genetically modified mouse model of elevated stress sensitivity and responsivity. From our studies, we hope to begin to decipher the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying risk factors and thereby direct our resources toward more identifiable prevention and treatment for stress-related disorders.

Current areas of research interest:

Examine the effects of stress sensitivity on the development and treatment of depression.
Determine the molecular mechanisms by which stress factors influence appetite and metabolism.
Examine the effects of maternal stress-sensitivity on fetal development and long-term physiological and behavioral responses.

Selected Publications

Bale TL and Vale WW (2003) Increased depression-like behaviors in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 deficient mice: sexually dichotomous responses. Journal of Neuroscience, 23:5295-5301

Bale TL, Anderson KR, Roberts A, Lee K-F, Nagy T, and Vale WW (2003) Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 deficient mice display abnormal homeostatic responses to challenges of increased dietary fat and cold. Endocrinology, 144:2580-2587

Bale TL, Giordano FJ, and Vale WW (2003) A new role for corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2: suppression of vascularization. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 13:68-72

Bale TL, Giordano FJ, Hickey RP, Huang Y, Nath AK, Peterson KL, Lee K-F, and Vale WW (2002) Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 is a tonic suppressor of vascularization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 99:7734-7739

Bale TL, Picetti R, Contarino A, Koob GF, Vale WW, and Lee K-F (2002) Mice deficient for both CRFR1 and CRFR2 have an impaired stress response and display sexually dichotomous anxiolytic-like behavior. Journal of Neuroscience, 22:193-199

Bale TL, Davis AM, Auger AP, Dorsa DM, and McCarthy MM (2001) CNS region specific oxytocin receptor expression: importance in regulation of anxiety and sex behavior. Journal of Neuroscience, 21:2546-2552

Bale TL, Contarino A, Smith GW, Chan R, Gold LH, Sawchenko PE, Koob GF, Vale WW, and Lee K-F (2000) Mice deficient for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-2 display anxiety-like behavior and are hypersensitive to stress. Nature Genetics, 24:410-414