About
Mohammad-Reza Ghovanloo, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in ion channel biophysics and cannabinoid pharmacology. His research focuses on understanding how phytocannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN interact with voltage-gated sodium channels to modulate neuronal excitability, with applications in pain management and neurological disorders.
Education & Training:
- PhD in Biophysics, Simon Fraser University (2021)
- BSc (Honors) in Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University (2015)
- Postdoctoral Training at Yale School of Medicine (2024)
- Visiting Researcher at SciLifeLab, Sweden (2020)
- Research Fellow at Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Canada (2017–2019)
Research Interests:
Dr. Ghovanloo investigates the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid-ion channel interactions using advanced techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, X-ray crystallography, and computational modeling. His work has revealed novel therapeutic pathways for non-psychoactive cannabinoids in treating chronic pain and neurological disorders. Recent breakthroughs include developing high-throughput methods for neuronal analysis and identifying Nav1.8 as a key pain target.
Awards & Recognition:
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (CIHR)
- NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Simon Fraser University Graduand Speaker
Grants & Collaborations:
He collaborates with leading institutions to advance drug discovery for ion channel-related diseases. His research has been featured in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Communications, and Yale News.
Labs & Teams:
Based at the Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, he leads projects on cannabinoid pharmacology and ion channel dysfunction.