Neuroscience lab groups in BMED are actively engaged in studies of synaptic physiology, CNS disease mechanisms and imaging, as well as basic structural, functional, and pharmacological studies on neurotransmitter receptors and transporters.

While Neuroscience is fast becoming an area of interest embraced across much of the campus, its development can be traced directly back to BMED faculty and the creation of the Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience. Much of the research within the department is targeted at molecular and cellular levels, with lab groups using biochemical and biophysical approaches to investigate mechanisms that underlie neuronal signaling and neurodegeneration. These projects rely on wide range of approaches and experimental models, including: tissue culture, in vitro electrophysiology, optogenetics, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence imaging, neurochemistry, transgenic mice, and behavioral testing. Strong ties also exist with our Medicinal Chemistry groups, where projects target the design and synthesis of novel small molecules with which to probe a variety of neurochemical processes. Indeed, a number of these projects have become more translational in nature and are yielding new leads for CNS therapeutics, diagnostics and imaging agents. A more detailed list of BMED faculty interests in Neuroscience can be found below.

Students working in the Neuroscience labs have pursued graduate degrees in:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Medicinal Chemistry

Participating Faculty