POSITION
PhD Student
CREDENTIALS
BSc Human Kinetics (University of Guelph)
MSc Exercise and Physical Health Education (University of Victoria)
Current Funding: MITACS Accelerate program
MY RESEARCH INTERESTS
Keywords: Psilocybin, Gut-brain axis (GBA), Synaptic plasticity, Long-term potentiation, Depression, Anxiety, Inflammation, Glial and microglial cell activation
My doctoral work will investigate the effects of psilocybin on the gut-brain axis for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and inflammation in the gut. Psilocybin has potential therapeutic value for a number of disorders, including depression, anxiety, neurodegeneration, PTSD, and traumatic brain-injury. It has also been hypothesized that it’s anti-inflammatory actions may contribute to its efficacy. The vagus nerve is one of the primary bidirectional routes of communication between the gut and the brain and thus represents a candidate mechanism on the serotonin receptor and inflammatory pathway. However, the exact neurobiological mechanism of action of psilocybin and its potential to promote neurogenesis, dendritic spine plasticity and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on brain regions through activation of the 5HT2A serotonin receptor pathway has yet to be determined and measured. Therefore, my research will provide further pivotal guidance around the efficacy of psilocybin and the relationship on the bidirectional pathway of the gut-brain axis and its role in treating the growing prevalence of mood disorders.
PUBLICATIONS
- Women are Taking the Hit: Examining The Unique Consequences of Cannabis Use Across the Female Lifespan. E.L. Gräfe, H.M.O. Reid, I. Shkolnikov, K. Conway, A. Kit, C. Acosta, Brian Christie, PhD (2023) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. (Submitted)
CONTACT
Email: alanna.kit01@gmail.com
OTHER
Hobbies: Breathwork, meditation, yoga, sauna/cold plunges, hiking, hosting wellness retreats, and discussing human consciousness.
A fun fact about me: I am a trained ice bath and sauna master!