Neuropharmacology
David Farb
Department: Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Website: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm-pm/fac/farb/
Research: Dr. Farb’s current research is directed toward the discovery and development of neuromodulators as therapeutic agents and on the structure, function, and cellular dynamics of ion channels and receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Ongoing studies are directed toward understanding the mechanisms of action of abused substances and steroid hormones and their interactions with excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors in the central nervous system. Recently, Dr. Farb’s laboratory demonstrated that pregnanolone hemisuccinate inhibits reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior, and this compound has been selected by NIDA for preclinical development in its Medications Development Program.
Working in the lab: Research techniques learned include: cellular & molecular neuroscience
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Tsuneya Ikezu
Department: Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Website: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm-pm/fac/faculty/ikezu/
Research: Development of a humanized mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis in HIV patients: We are creating a drug-inducible APP transgenic mouse in SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mouse background. This animal model is receptive to human hematopoietic stem cells, will be reconstituted with human immune system, which will be susceptible to HIV infection. We will address how beta-amyloidosis will be augmented by viral infection at pre- and post-APP induction phases using the inducible tg mouse model. The effect of anti-retroviral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other potential therapeutic drugs on HIV-infected APP mouse will be investigated in the context of spatial learning, neuropathology, and beta-amyloidosis in brain. Investigation of AAV-mediated gene therapy on APP mouse: We have recently published how interleukin-4 (IL-4), a prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine, for its effect on suppressing neuroinflammation, cognitive dysfunction, and NMDA receptor expression in APP/PS1 mouse brain (Faseb J 2010). Similar work was also published in Molecular Therapy (2009). Investigation of Tau-tubulin kinases: We have recently published that TTBK1 is a neuron-specific kinase involved in phosphorylation of tau, tubulin, and other unknown targets for the regulation of neurocognitive function, NMDA receptor metabolism, and motorneuron degeneration (J Neurosci 2008, Faseb J 2010). Since TTBK2 is genetically linked to spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (Nat Genetics 2007) and affected patients develop neurofibrillary tangles (aggregation of phosphorylated tau) and massive hindbrain degeneration, TTBK1 and 2 are potential therapeutic targets.
Working in the lab: Research techniques learned include:
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Gary Kaplan
Department: Pharmacology and Psychiatry
Website: http://www.kaplanlab.org/
Research: In addiction, cognitive and motivational brain regions are responsive to salient environmental and contextual drug cues that serve as triggers for continued vulnerability to relapse. Our research examines drug reward and craving responses to drug-associated cues and contexts in animal models. Extinction is a form of learning that can reduce the rewarding properties associated with drug cues and contexts but such learning occurs over long periods of time. Our translational research examines the neural mechanisms underlying extinction of conditioned drug reward and drug priming induced reacquisition of conditioned drug preferences. To study long term changes in synaptic plasticity in extinction of conditioned drug reward, we examine regulation of transcription factors is relevant limbic and cortical circuitry. To enhance extinction learning, we utilize translational pharmacological approaches using N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate and aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists and examine behavioral and neurochemical effects of these agents. By understanding the behavioral and the neural mechanisms for enhancement of drug related reward extinction, we hope to block craving and relapse in clinical populations.
Working in the lab: Students must make a commitment of at least three semesters plus summer and are to have prior experience working in a lab. Prerequisities include chemistry with a lab and biology with a lab. Students may work in this lab as a part of UROP or for senior distinction. Techniques exposed to and learned include animal behavior, biochemistry, gene expression, immunochemistry, neuroanatomy, and pharmacology along with the use of mice and rats.
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Kathleen Kantak
Department: Psychology
Website: http://www.bu.edu/behavneuro/
Research: Using animal models to conduct translational research related to drug addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their co-morbidity. Using intravenous drug self-administration procedures in rats, the lab investigates how multiple memory systems regulate drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior as well as how drug exposure influences the neurocognitive functioning of multiple memory systems. Other studies focus on evaluating neurocognitive deficits of the frontal and medial temporal lobes as well as the striatum in rats with an ADHD phenotype and their response to medications, and the comorbidity between ADHD and vulnerability to drug addiction and to determine if medications (stimulant and non-stimulant) increase or decrease this vulnerability.
Working in the lab: Students must make a commitment of at least one semester (including summers) and are not required to have prior experience working in a lab. Prerequisities include PS 333 Drugs and Behavior and a lab course in natural science or psychology. Students may work in this lab as a part of UROP or for senior distinction with a two semester commitment. Techniques exposed to and learned include animal behavior, cellular and molecular biology, and pharmacology, along with working with rats.
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Conan Kornetsky
Department: Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Website: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm-pm/fac/kornetsky/
Research: The behavioral pharmacology laboratory is directed toward the determination of neuronal mechanisms involved in the behavioral effects of drugs. Much of this research is focused on the brain’s motivational systems.
Working in the lab: Research techniques learned include: electrophysiology