CB Receptor Modulators Professors and Supervisors

Rukiyah T. Van Dross-AndersonView profile

Associate Professor

East Carolina UniversityUnited States

Rukiyah T. Van Dross-Anderson is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in the Pharmacology & Toxicology Concentration at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine . She holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Chemistry and serves as Advisor for the Summer Biomedical Research Program . Her research focuses on the chemotherapeutic potential of cannabinoids and endocannabinoid metabolites in targeting skin cancer and colorectal cancer through ER stress and oxidative stress pathways. She leads a lab with graduate students, medical students, and research specialists. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Alabama State University Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Rutgers University/UMDNJ-RWJMS Post-doctoral Fellowship, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and University of Kansas Medical Center Her work explores CB1/CB2 receptor-independent mechanisms of endocannabinoids , with a focus on 15dPMJ 2 as a selective antitumor agent. Articles demonstrate its role in DAMP signaling , apoptosis induction , and mitochondrial dysfunction in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Scientific awards include grants from Golfer’s Against Cancer and East-West Grant . She collaborates with researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Department of Statistics at ECU.

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Jenny WilkersonView profile

Assistant Professor

Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterUnited States

Jenny Wilkerson, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where her research bridges pharmacological neuroscience and pain therapeutics. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of New Mexico (2012) and a BS from Northwest Missouri State University (2004), establishing a foundation for her current investigations into neuromodulatory systems. Her educational background is highlighted by advanced training in pharmacological methodologies: PhD: University of New Mexico (2012) BS: Northwest Missouri State University (2004) Dr. Wilkerson's research program centers on neuropathic pain mechanisms , with particular emphasis on cannabinoid-opioid interactions, kratom pharmacology, and sex-specific responses. Her laboratory employs in vivo rodent models to dissect molecular pathways involving CB 2 receptors, TRPV1 channels, and nicotinic systems, revealing novel targets for analgesic development. Key discoveries include differential effects of mitragynine metabolites on opioid receptors and sex-dependent endocannabinoid modulation of pain pathways. Analysis of her 2020-2023 publications demonstrates a cohesive trajectory toward translational pain pharmacology , integrating behavioral, molecular, and pharmacokinetic approaches. Her work consistently addresses chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, kratom's therapeutic potential, and receptor-specific mechanisms—revealing critical insights for developing non-addictive analgesics while characterizing abuse liabilities of emerging substances. Her scholarly impact is recognized through prestigious awards: Graduate Mentor of the Year (School of Pharmacy, 2024) Teacher Award by Student Senate (2024) President's Young Investigator Award (TTUHSC, 2023) As an active mentor, Dr. Wilkerson chairs dissertation committees and supervises graduate research, fostering the next generation of pharmacologists. Her collaborative network—spanning TTUHSC, University of Florida, and international institutions—drives innovative studies on substance pharmacology, supported by institutional recognition of her research excellence. Current projects focus on mitragynine's respiratory effects and novel cannabinoid-inspired therapeutics. She maintains a robust presence in the scientific community through presentations at ASPET, ICRS, and SRNT conferences, where she addresses critical topics like 'Pharmacology in Color' and kratom's clinical implications. Her laboratory's interdisciplinary approach combines behavioral pharmacology with molecular techniques to tackle unmet needs in pain management.

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Patrick NahirneyView profile

Professor

University of VictoriaCanada

Dr. Patrick Nahirney is a Professor of Anatomy and Histology at the University of Victoria (UVic), affiliated with the Division of Medical Sciences. He teaches human gross anatomy and histology to medical students in the Island Medical Program and conducts research on neurogenesis, neuromuscular diseases, and synaptic ultrastructure. His work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, stress-induced memory loss, and muscle/nerve tissue regeneration. Education: BSc from Washington State University MSc and PhD from University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Interests: Synapse ultrastructure, myogenesis, live-cell imaging, electron microscopy. Current projects include studying prenatal stress effects on hippocampal synapses, ethanol-induced neurodevelopmental disorders, and applicability of exercise therapy. His lab uses high-resolution microscopy to explore structural changes in neurological conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Grants & Funding: $662,490 CIHR Grant (2018-2023) examining cholinergic nuclei in Parkinson’s-like conditions $375K CFI-BCKDF Leaders Opportunity Fund for a new transmission electron microscope NSERC Discovery Grant investigating prenatal stress impacts on synapse ultrastructure Students & Advising: Supervised over a dozen graduate and honours students in areas like traumatic brain injury, Fragile X syndrome, and muscle cell fusion. Current MSc student Charlotte Copas is investigating microvascular damage post-TBI. Labs/Teams: Leads microscopy research using advanced electron tomography and immunocytochemical techniques. Collaborates internationally on cannabinoid receptor localization and neurodevelopmental studies. Co-director of UVic’s Centre for Biomedical Research.

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Pier CirilloView profile

Associate Professor

University of New HavenUnited States

Pier Cirillo is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at the University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Boston University (1995) and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand (1987). Prior to academia, he spent 12 years in medicinal chemistry research at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, focusing on kinase inhibitors and receptor modulators for inflammatory diseases. His research interests include laboratory synthesis of natural products, polyoxygenated compounds, and heterocyclic compounds with potential medicinal applications (e.g., antibiotics, anticancer agents). He emphasizes green synthesis methods and collaborations with biochemists. Notable projects involve developing CB2 receptor agonists for neuropathic pain and thiadiazolidinones as antibacterial agents. Dr. Cirillo teaches courses such as Advanced Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry labs. His work spans over 30 peer-reviewed publications and patents in drug design, enzyme inhibition, and carbohydrate synthesis. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and has consulted for L2 Diagnostics since 2011.

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Ryan VetrenoView profile

Assistant Professor

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States

Ryan Vetreno, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine with appointments in both the Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology. He is affiliated with the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies where he maintains his laboratory. Dr. Vetreno's office is located in the Thurston-Bowles Building at CB #7178. Dr. Vetreno's research program focuses on proinflammatory neuroimmune and epigenetic mechanisms in animal models of developmental neurobiology and neurodegeneration. His primary research interests include alcohol pharmacology, adolescent neurodevelopment, cholinergic system and neurocircuitry, and Alzheimer's disease. The laboratory has two major research foci: (1) elucidation of neuroimmune and epigenetic mechanisms underlying adolescent binge alcohol-induced disruption of basal forebrain cholinergic neurocircuitry in adulthood, and (2) investigation of lasting adolescent binge drinking-induced neuroimmune priming as a novel etiological factor contributing to the onset and progression of basal forebrain neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. His laboratory combines ex vivo and in vivo rodent models of alcohol abuse and Alzheimer's disease with innovative molecular techniques. Analysis of Dr. Vetreno's publication history reveals a strong emphasis on the neuroimmune consequences of adolescent alcohol exposure, with particular attention to cholinergic system disruption, neurodegenerative pathways, and potential interventions including exercise, indomethacin, and galantamine. His recent work increasingly connects adolescent alcohol exposure to Alzheimer's disease pathology, suggesting important translational implications for understanding risk factors in neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Vetreno's research approach integrates multiple methodologies including molecular techniques, behavioral assessments, and neuroimaging to investigate how adolescent alcohol exposure leads to persistent changes in brain structure and function that manifest in adulthood. His work has important implications for understanding the long-term consequences of adolescent drinking patterns and potential therapeutic interventions.

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Dongbao ChenView profile

Professor

University of California, IrvineUnited States

Dr. Dongbao Chen is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. His research focuses on the roles of reactive nitrogen/sulfide species in reproductive and vascular physiology, particularly during pregnancy. Dr. Chen’s work integrates molecular biology, proteomics, and cellular models to explore mechanisms underlying preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, and vascular malformations such as port-wine birthmarks. Key research topics include estrogen-mediated regulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis in uterine and placental vasculature, nitrosylation and sulfhydration signaling pathways, and the interplay between hormonal factors and vascular adaptations. His studies leverage animal models, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and proteomic platforms to uncover novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for pregnancy complications and vascular disorders. Recent work highlights H2S’s role in mitigating hypertension in pregnancy and vascular dysfunction, as well as the metabolic and signaling perturbations in port-wine birthmark-derived endothelial cells. Dr. Chen’s publications often bridge basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing translational insights into maternal-fetal health and vascular biology.

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Zhenghe J WangView profile

Professor

Case Western Reserve UniversityUnited States

Zhenghe J Wang is Chair and Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. He holds the Dale H. Cowan M.D. – Ruth Goodman Blum Professorship of Cancer Research and co-leads the Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. He joined the university in 2005 after completing his Ph.D. in Microbiology (University of Virginia, 2001) and postdoctoral training with Dr. Bert Vogelstein at Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on colorectal cancer mechanisms, particularly PIK3CA mutations and glutamine metabolism-driven tumorigenesis. He leads translational efforts to develop targeted therapies, including clinical trials for PIK3CA mutant cancers. His work has been funded by major grants, including the SU2C Colorectal Cancer Dream Team Award (2017) and NCI grants. Dr. Wang also investigates pseudo-kinases/phosphatases in cancer, such as PTPRT's tumor suppressor role via tyrosine denitration. Publications span over two decades, with recent work emphasizing therapeutic strategies, CRISPR-based screening, and immune checkpoint regulation. His research bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

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Sheba M.J. MohanKumarView profile

Professor

University of GeorgiaUnited States

Dr. Sheba M.J. MohanKumar is a Professor and Director of the Online CBS Masters Program at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, within the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She holds academic roles emphasizing online education and research leadership in neuroendocrine systems. Education : BVSc from Madras Veterinary College, India (1988) MS from Kansas State University (1992) PhD from Kansas State University (1996) Postdoctoral fellowship at Kansas State University (1996–1997) Research Focus : Dr. MohanKumar’s work integrates neuroendocrine, immune, and environmental factors in health and disease. Key areas include: Prenatal stress programming obesity Environmental toxin impacts on reproduction and stress Biomarker development for human diseases Neuroendocrine-immune interactions in aging Her recent studies highlight bisphenol exposure effects and Alzheimer’s-linked metabolic pathways. Publication Trends : Over the past decades, she has explored developmental programming of chronic diseases, neurotoxicology of environmental pollutants, and pharmacological interventions in metabolic disorders. Recent work (2021–2024) focuses on prenatal toxin exposure and neurochemical impacts. Advising & Grants : While specific grants are not detailed here, her publications indicate sustained research collaborations. No formal advisee names are listed in the provided texts. Labs/Teams : Affiliated with diagnostic and research labs in the College of Veterinary Medicine, including the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories and PDRC Diagnostic Services, contributing to translational research in biomarkers and environmental health.

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Antonia SophocleousView profile

Assistant Professor

European University CyprusCyprus

Antonia Sophocleous is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Sciences, European University Cyprus (EUC), and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh's CGEM and IGMM Department of Rheumatic Disease. She holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Edinburgh (2009) and a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Durham University (2004). Her research focuses on cannabinoid receptors' role in bone metabolism, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and breast cancer-induced bone disease. She employs advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy and genetic knockout models to study bone remodeling. Recent work explores probiotics' anti-inflammatory effects on skeletal diseases and the paradoxical effects of cannabinoid receptor modulators. She has coordinated major research projects, including investigating the microbiome's role in osteoarthritis development (2016–present) and the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid receptors in bone disease (2008–2015). Her work has been published in journals like Ageing Cell , Endocrinology , and Journal of Biological Chemistry . Awards: Principal’s Scholarship (PhD), Honorary Fellowship at University of Edinburgh Editorial Roles: Co-chair of HubLE (IFMRS), reviewer for Calcified Tissue International , Frontiers in Endocrinology , and others Key Contributions: Identified links between cannabis use and bone fragility, developed Raman spectroscopy applications for bone disease monitoring Her research bridges molecular mechanisms with translational medicine, addressing unmet clinical needs in bone health and musculoskeletal disorders.

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Elizabeth Nancy BessView profile

Professor

University of VirginiaUnited States

Professor Elizabeth N. Bess of the University of California, Irvine Department of Chemistry leads interdisciplinary research fusing chemistry and microbiology to unravel the gut microbiome's chemical mechanisms in health and disease. Her lab explores the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease, microbiome hormone modulation (particularly estrogens linked to breast cancer), and dietary fiber metabolism's role in gut biodiversity. B.S. in Biological Chemistry (University of Utah, 2009) Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (University of Utah, 2015) Postdoctoral Fellowship (HHMI, UCSF, 2015–2018) Her research spans three key domains: neurodegenerative disease mechanisms through gut microbiome interactions, hormone signaling via microbial metabolism, and ADME model refinement by incorporating microbiome-mediated drug processing. Recent work demonstrates how gut bacteria produce neurotoxic metabolite trios (dopamine/iron/α-synuclein) while uncovering lignocellulose-degrading microbes as potential probiotics. Collaborations with medical teams and cancer institutes focus on improving breast cancer therapies through microbiome profiling. Her lab's publications reveal molecular pathways connecting gut microbiota to Parkinson's pathogenesis and drug resistance, supported by NIH R01 and NSF CAREER grants. Scialog Fellow (2021–2023) Young Investigator Grant (2020) Hellman Fellow (2020) HHMI Fellow (2016–2018) Career Development Grant (2016) As mentor to PhD candidates Kylie Uyeda, Zane Long, and Barry Rich, she integrates gnotobiotic models (mice and C. elegans) with synthetic chemistry approaches. Her work was featured in CBS News Radio and Live Science , with technical innovations in electrochemical aggregation screening.

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