Bradley Kerr

Contact

Professor, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine

Email: bjkerr@ualberta.ca
Phone: (780) 492-3380
Address: 9-28A Medical Sciences Building
8613 - 114 St NW

Edmonton AB

T6G 2H7

Overview

Area of Study / Keywords

Neuroscience

About

Dr. Bradley Kerr is currently appointed as Associate Professor (UAH), Adjunct Assistant Professor (Pharmacology) in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

Research

The development of chronic pain after spinal cord injury or in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major clinical concern. The main focus of research in my laboratory is aimed at addressing the cellular mechanisms that generate neuropathic pain in these conditions. My research uses two primary animal models: a clinically relevant spinal contusion injury model and a mouse model of autoimmune demyelination that resembles MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). My research aims to understand the specific pathways and cellular changes that arise in response to direct trauma or in chronic disease states that may promote the development of neuropathic pain. The lab employs a number of different strategies that include analysis at the cell and molecular levels, as well as systems level approaches to address this complex biological problem.

Funding Sources

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Canadian Foundation for Innovation
University Hospital Fund Lab Staff

Courses

NEURO 210 - Introduction to Clinical Neuroscience

An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to the field of clinical neuroscience. Students will learn the main features of degenerative brain diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis), developmental disorders of the brain (such as autism), psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder), and brain injury (trauma, stroke and spinal cord injury). Key concepts attempting to explain these disorders in terms of underlying genetic, cellular and cognitive mechanisms will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYCH 275.

Winter Term 2024

NEURO 410 - Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Normal Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Designed to provide senior undergraduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview on neurobiology of normal aging and the cellular/molecular phenomena that may underlie various age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects of neuronal and glial changes during the normal aging process will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline the impact of cellular/molecular changes on major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 410 or 510 but not both.

Fall Term 2024

NEURO 501 - Graduate Research Project

Individual study. Restricted to students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Students will spend one term in the laboratory of a faculty member (other than the supervisor) and carry out a laboratory research project. Successful completion of a written report and an oral presentation is required at the conclusion of the project. Prerequisite: consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Credit may be obtained for only one of either NEURO 500 or NEURO 501.

Winter Term 2024 Fall Term 2024

NEURO 510 - Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Normal Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Designed to provide graduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of normal aging and the cellular/molecular phenomena that may underlie various age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects of neuronal and glial changes during the normal aging process will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline the impact of cellular/molecular changes on major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 410 or 510 but not both.

Fall Term 2024

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Featured Publications

Central amygdala inflammation drives pain hypersensitivity and attenuates morphine analgesia in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Dworsky-Fried Z., Faig C.A., Vogel H.A., Kerr B.J., Taylor A.M.W.

PAIN. 2022 January; 163 (1):E49-E61 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002307