Roger Papke

Roger Papke, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Florida, specializing in pharmacology and neuroscience. His research focuses on neurotransmitter receptors, particularly nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), exploring their role in neurological processes and potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. His lab investigates receptor biophysics, ligand interactions, and drug development strategies.

Research Interests:
Dr. Papke's work delves into the physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of nAChRs, emphasizing their role in nicotine's effects on behavior. Key areas include receptor activation pathways, selective agonist development, and translational research for cognitive disorders. Recent studies have advanced understanding of silent agonists' anti-inflammatory properties and β-amyloid modulation in Alzheimer's models.

Publications:
His articles span 2015–2024, covering topics like nicotine mechanisms, receptor selectivity, and therapeutic targeting of α7 nAChRs. Notable work includes exploring β-amyloid's impact on receptors and agonist design for pain/inflammation.

Labs/Teams:
Leads the Papke Lab, affiliated with the University of Florida, focusing on receptor pharmacology and drug discovery. Collaborates internationally on projects like α9 nAChR-based pain therapies and betel quid toxicity.