NeuropharmacologyMore than 20 faculty have research programs that encompass various aspects of neuropharmacology. Emory University is one of the world's premier universities for those interested in the neurobiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, substance abuse and epilepsy. Indeed, there are 13 faculty members in our program (more than any other university) who are members of the prestigious American College of Neuropsychopharmalogy. Strengths include the neurobiological substrates of social and affiliative behaviors, fear, anxiety, stress and depression. These strengths are equally complimented by expertise on the pharmacology of anxiolytic, antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. Studies of G-protein-coupled signal transduction pathways as well as behavioral, molecular and physiological studies of drugs of abuse and glutamate receptor functions in epilepsy and neurodegeneration are additional assets of this program. Faculty with interests in Neuropharmacology:Gary Bassell gary.bassell@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteThe major research interest of our laboratory is to understand the diverse and critical roles played by local protein synthesis in the central and peripheral nervous system to regulate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and regeneration. In addition, we are studying how impairments in local protein synthesis contribute to Fragile X syndrone (FXS) and other autism spectrum disorders, as well as two motor neuron diseases: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral scherosis (ALS). We are using in vitro and in vivo models of synaptic activity, nerve and spinal cord injury, as well as mouse models of neurological diseases, to assess the function of mRNA regulation and local protein synthesis in axon guidance, nerve regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. Efforts are also underway to characterize altered neuronal receptor signaling pathways and evaluate different therapeutic modalities in these mouse models of neurological diseases. Our research utilizes an integrated multi-disciplinary approach that involves cellular, molecular, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral methods and paradigms. These studies are expected to reveal new mechanisms important for neuronal development and function, and targeted approaches for therapeutic intervention that treat underlying molecular defects.  Raymond Dingledine rdingledine@pharm.emory.eduTraining FacultyGlutamate receptors mediate the vast majority of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. A major research effort in my lab is focused on regulation of glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the brain by the co-activation of selected G-protein coupled receptors. A second research emphasis involves the use of microarray and associated technologies to identify novel targets and pathways involved in the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of epilepsy. These research interests converge and have highlighted a role for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) signaling pathways in the cognitive deficits, impaired synaptic inhibition, and neurodegeneration caused by seizures. We are currently seeking the prostaglandin receptors responsible for each of these effects; we will then employ a chemical biology approach to develop novel small molecule modulators of these receptors in an effort to interrupt the development of epilepsy. As a whole our work integrates information from a variety of experimental strategies to contribute to a better understanding of epilepsy, with broad implications for other brain disorders including stroke and schizophrenia.  Shannon Gourley shannon.l.gourley@emory.eduTraining FacultyThe Gourley lab is a behavioral neuroscience laboratory at Emory with a dedicated interest in issues pertaining to drug abuse and stress exposure. Broadly, the Gourley lab focuses on the mechanisms by which pathological stimuli such as stress hormone exposure or exposure to psychostimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate), particularly during adolescence, regulate biochemical and cellular morphology outcomes in the brain and set the stage for behavioral decision-making in adulthood. We utilize transgenic mice, high-resolution confocal microscopy, viral-mediated gene transfer, and behavioral pharmacological strategies to better understand how cytoskeletal dynamics, particularly during adolescence, impact morphological and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. Throughout, special attention is paid to understanding: 1) why and how adolescence serves as a period of vulnerability to the persistent behavioral effects of exposure to stress hormones or drugs of abuse on the one hand, and a window of opportunity for recovery on the other; and 2) the relationship between behavioral traits and stressor and drug resilience.  Randy A. Hall rhall@pharm.emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWe study the mechanisms of signal transduction by neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. Our typical approach is to first uncover receptor interactions with either intracellular proteins or other receptors, and then elucidate the physiological consequences of these interactions in a variety of functional studies. Understanding the mechanisms of signal transduction by neurotransmitter and hormone receptors is of paramount clinical importance, since such receptors are common targets for therapeutic pharmaceuticals in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric conditions.  John R. Hepler jhepler@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWe study how brain cells communicate with one another to modulate synaptic signaling and brain physiology. More specifically, our research focuses on identifying key brain signaling proteins (RGS proteins, G proteins, neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and linked signaling proteins) and understanding how these proteins work together to propagate neurotransmitter and neuromodulator signals to regulate neuronal and glial functions. These cellular functions are critical for learning and memory and other behaviors, as well as tissue regeneration following brain injury (e.g., stroke). Impairment of these processes contributes to cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer 's disease and others) and aging. To study these mechanisms, we employ a variety of modern, multidisciplinary experimental approaches including cellular signaling and imaging, molecular biology techniques, recombinant and native protein biochemistry, and mouse behavioral models. Please check our lab web site to learn more about our research.  Ellen Hess ejhess@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur laboratory uses molecular, genetic, anatomical and behavioral approaches to determine the contribution of the basal ganglia and cerebellum to normal movements and movement disorders. Our specific interest is the pathophysiological basis of dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by abnormal patterns and strengths of muscle contractions caused by dysfunction of the basal ganglia, the cerebellum or both.  Leonard Howell lhowell@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteDr. Leonard L. Howell has an established research program in behavioral neuropharmacology with a focus on central nervous system stimulants and the development of medications to treat stimulant addiction. The program is multidisciplinary and integrates operant-conditioning techniques to study behavior and drug use, in vivo microdialysis to characterize brain neurochemistry, and functional brain imaging. Ongoing studies investigate in nonhuman primate models the neurochemical mechanisms that mediate drug effects on behavior. Recent efforts have focused on drug-induced changes in brain neurochemistry with in vivo microdialysis in behaving monkeys trained to self-administer cocaine. In addition, Dr. Howell serves as Director of the Yerkes Imaging Center. His neuroimaging program includes drug receptor occupancy, pharmacokinetics, brain metabolism and functional magnet resonance imaging (fMRI) in awake, behaving monkeys. The long-range objective is to develop a unique, multidisciplinary research program in substance abuse that effectively integrates behavior, neurochemistry and functional brain imaging in nonhuman primates.  P. Michael Iuvone miuvone@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Emory ProfileResearch in the Iuvone laboratory focuses on retinal mechanisms that control visual adaptation and ocular disease. We study the roles of circadian clocks and neuromodulators in light and dark adaptation, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and age-related neuronal degeneration. These studies have clinical relevance to diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 55, and in glaucoma. Neuroprotective strategies are being tested to prevent these disorders. Additional collaborative studies seek to elucidate the retinal circuitry underlying the regulation of postnatal eye growth and development of myopia.  Heather Kimmel Heather.Kimmel@emory.eduAssociate FacultyA major focus of my research program is the behavioral pharmacology of cocaine and related psychomotor stimulants in nonhuman primates. One of our major goals is to determine how monoamines and other neurotransmitters interact to produce the observed behavioral and neurochemical effects of these psychomotor stimulants. We are also involved in developing medications for reducing drug use in humans, working with several medicinal chemists in investigating the effectiveness of novel compounds. To achieve these goals, we use operant conditioning behavioral techniques, in vivo microdialysis with HPLC, and neuroimaging to determine the neuropharmacology of cocaine and related compounds in nonhuman primates.  Michael J. Kuhar michael.kuhar@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur general interests include the structure and function of the brain, and particulary the deficits that occur in neuropsychiatric disease. There is an emphasis on neurotransmitter systems and their involvement in brain function. A recent focus has been on molecular and cellular mechanisms of drug addiction, and particularly on novel genes associated with the addiction process. Current topics of research include CART peptides, development of medications for drug addicts, and a study of novel genes involved in the addiction process.  Thomas Kukar thomas.kukar@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteThe goal of my laboratory is to develop therapeutic strategies to treat two devastating neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer?s disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We investigate disease pathogenesis to identifying new drug targets and use this knowledge to discover potential therapeutic compounds. We are focusing on two main projects. The first is to develop and characterize a new class of drugs called Substrate-Targeting γ-Secretase Modulators (stGSMs) as Alzheimer's disease therapies. stGSMs potently inhibit Aβ42, the putative pathogenic peptide in AD, as well as inhibit aggregation of Aβ42 through direct binding to the peptide. The second project is to understand the role of the progranulin and TDP-43 proteins in neurodegeneration. Genetic and biochemical studies have linked these proteins to Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Our laboratory is using a multi-disciplinary strategy, including chemical and molecular biology, proteomics, neuropharmacology, cell culture, viral vectors, and in vivo models to investigate the normal and pathogenic role of these molecules, and ultimately therapies that are desperately needed for these disorders.  Lian Li lianli@pharm.emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteMy laboratory studies the molecular basis of neurotransmitter release and pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. A current major focus of our work is to delineate the molecular pathways by which mutations in familial Parkinson's disease proteins ( -synuclein, parkin, DJ-1, and UCH-L1) lead to neurodegeneration and identify additional molecular players in the pathogenic pathways. We are also studying regulation mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and investigating the role of abnormal vesicular trafficking and protein ubiquitination in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. Our research uses a combination of molecular biological, biochemical, cell biological, proteomic, and molecular genetic approaches, including targeted gene disruption.  Andrew Miller amill02@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWork in our laboratory examines the relationship among the brain, the neuroendocrine system and the immune system as it relates to neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. Particular emphasis is focused on the impact of cytokines on the brain and behavior and the role of glucocorticoids and their receptors in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Studies in laboratory animals and humans are conducted, including treatment trials of immune-targeted therapies for depression.  Gary Miller gwmille@emory.eduTraining FacultyOur lab is interested in the role of pesticides (persistent organochlorine insecticides) in the development of Parkinson's disease, with a focus on how these compounds alter the function of the molecules that are responsible for transporting and packaging dopamine. We have recently established novel behavioral methods to assess motor impairment in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. The lab is also interested in the beneficial effects of exercise in neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson's.  Christopher E. Muly ecmuly@rmy.emory.eduTraining FacultyMy research interest is how various forms of experience alter the structural organization of nerve cell communication. We are pursuing this interest in the amygdala, where we are studying how stress alters the distribution and plasticity of glutamate receptors and key signaling proteins. We are also studying how dopamine depletion alters the signal transduction environment in direct versus indirect pathway striatal medium spiny neurons. Finally, we are studying the action of antipsychotic drugs in different brain regions using PET imaging techniques. These studies will inform our understanding of experience and drug mediate alterations in brain functioning and will be relevant to a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including PTSD, Parkinson's Disease and Schizophrenia.  Darryl B. Neill dneill@emory.eduAssociate FacultyMy research interests are in the brain systems which control mood and motivation. Besides being of fundamental interest in the general problem of functional organization of the mammalian brain, these systems are also of interest for their possible roles in mood disorders and drug addiction. In my laboratory, we manipulate these systems and examine the resulting behavioral changes. In collaboration with the Justice laboratory in Chemistry, we manipulate these systems and examine the resulting neurochemical changes.  Michael Owens mowens@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur lab's interest is in the biology and treatment of the major psychiatric disorders and can be divided into the following main areas: 1) molecular and cellular pharmacology of antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic drugs, 2) candidate novel targets for drug development (e.g. neuropeptides), 3) pharmacological characterization of novel radiotracers for neuroimaging, 4) developmental pharmacology as it relates prenatal drug exposure, 5) markers for assessing adequate pharmacotherapy, and 5) pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of drugs in laboratory animals. These research areas utilize an array of molecular, biochemical, physiological and behavioral techniques.  Stella Papa spapa@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWe work in the area of pathophysiology and therapeutics of neurodegenerative disorders. Our research is focused in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Current projects are based on electrophysiology and Pharmacology/cellular biology techniques using primate animal models. Physiology studies involve recording of neuronal activity in vivo, and pharmacology studies involve behavioral testing, autoradiography, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, etc.  Yoland Smith ysmit01@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteThe main research interest of my laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and characterize changes in the synaptic plasticity of the basal ganglia in normal and pathological conditions. To achieve these goals, we have developed a collaborative, interdisciplinary research program that uses in vitro and in vivo anatomical, electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches to study the functional organization of the basal ganglia in normal nonhuman primates and in animal models of Parkinson's disease. This work is complemented with behavioral studies of novel surgical and pharmacologic therapies for Parkinson's disease in nonhuman primates.  Stephen Traynelis strayne@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteMy laboratory studies the basic mechanisms underlying the function and regulation of ligand gated ion channels involved in excitatory synaptic transmission. Our goal is to use this information to understand normal brain functions that involve synaptic transmission such as learning and memory. In addition, information about regulation of the ion channels involved in excitatory synaptic transmission may provide insight into the neuropathology of epilepsy and stroke.  David Weinshenker dweinshenker@genetics.emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteMy lab combines genetically engineered mice with altered noradrenergic signaling and pharmacological tools to explore the influence of norepinephrine on behavior, physiology, and neurochemistry. Specific areas of interest include drug addiction, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, and hibernation.  |
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S. Sanyal Lab - Confocal image of adult Drosophila brain (Green (FasII) - marks the mushroom bodies; Red (Elav) - all neuronal nuclei)
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L. Howell Lab - Brain activation elicited by MDMA ("ecstasy") in a single nonhuman primate (fMRI)
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A. English Lab - Mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells labeled using antibody to the neurotrophin receptor, trkB (red). Green = yellow fluorescent protein in large cells
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