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Sarah ClaytonView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrative Physiology
• Neurovascular Regulation
• Cardiovascular Disease
• +5 more

Sarah Clayton, Ph.D., serves as the Interim Department Chair of Physiology and Pharmacology and holds multiple Associate Professor roles in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences programs. Her research focuses on integrative physiology, particularly the neural control of cardiovascular function and how life experiences like chronic stress or exercise influence neuroplasticity and cardiovascular disease risk. She utilizes animal models and molecular techniques to explore these mechanisms. Additionally, she investigates pedagogical strategies in medical education, emphasizing effective teaching methods for physiology instruction. Dr. Clayton’s educational background includes a B.S. in Biology from the University of Nebraska–Omaha, a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and postdoctoral training at the University of Iowa. Her work bridges basic science and translational research, addressing both physiological mechanisms and educational innovations. While her publications span cardiovascular physiology, neuroendocrinology, and renal medicine, she has not listed specific awards in the provided texts. Her academic contributions include advancing understanding of hormonal influences on behavior, cardiovascular remodeling, and sleep apnea pathophysiology.

Mone ZaidiView profile

Professor

• Bone Biology
• Endocrinology
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +6 more

Mone Zaidi, MD, PhD, MACP, is a Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also serves as Director of the Mount Sinai Bone Program. His academic career includes previous roles as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School and St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London. He earned his MD and PhD from the University of London after initial medical training at King George’s Medical College in India. Dr. Zaidi’s research focuses on bone biology, neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s), obesity, and endocrine disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a team developing a synthetic antibody targeting SARS-CoV-2, aiming to block viral entry into lung cells. His work often explores interorgan crosstalk, such as pituitary hormone interactions with bone, fat, and the brain. Key research areas include FSH signaling’s role in osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as TSH receptor regulation of metabolism and feeding behavior. He has published extensively on bone-kidney circuits, microbiome impacts on inflammation, and molecular mechanisms underlying bone remodeling. Awards: J. Lester Gabrilove Award (2019) Collaborations: GenScript (antibody development), Mount Sinai’s Department of Microbiology (virus testing) Dr. Zaidi emphasizes mentorship, urging students to seek role models who align with their career goals. He advocates for proactive mentor-student communication and advises choosing mentors with availability and aligned philosophies.

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Neurobiology
• +3 more

Nicolas Berbari is a Professor in the Department of Biology and Neuroscience at Indiana University. His research is affiliated with the IU Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. Dr. Berbari's research focuses on the roles of small hair-like cellular appendages called cilia, particularly in the brain. His work investigates how cilia disruption in feeding centers of the brain results in obesity in both mice and patients with genetic disorders that affect cilia function. He is currently working to determine how cilia can affect appetite and satiety using conditional and congenital knockout mouse models, tissue culture, pharmacology, and electrophysiology. His publication record shows consistent productivity with research spanning cell biology, neuroscience, and metabolic disorders. Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate ongoing focus on cilia signaling pathways, neuronal cilia in energy homeostasis, and postnatal ciliary protein localization in the mouse brain, indicating an active research program with contemporary relevance to obesity mechanisms and neurodevelopmental processes. Dr. Berbari received his B.S. in Biology from Indiana University in 2002 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Ohio State University in 2008.

Hala NicolasView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• +4 more

Hala Nicolas, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Columbia University. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using genetically modified rat models, particularly the Shank3-deficient rats. She investigates oxytocin’s role in social behavior deficits and employs cutting-edge techniques like chemo-genetic tools and genome-wide transcriptional analysis. Her work aims to identify therapeutic targets and non-invasive interventions for ASD. Dr. Nicolas holds a BSc, MA, and PhD from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Research Interests: Dr. Nicolas’ lab explores ASD pathogenesis through transgenic models, oxytocin signaling pathways, social behavior circuits, and synaptic ultrastructure. Recent studies highlight oxytocin’s effects on social recognition memory, hypothalamic circuits, and glutamatergic systems. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with translational medicine, addressing neurodevelopmental disorder mechanisms. Key Contributions: She pioneered the validation of Shank3-deficient rat models and demonstrated oxytocin’s ameliorative effects in these models. Her group’s TrackUSF tool enables automated analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations in ASD models. Current projects dissect oxytocin’s role in social reward pathways and examine juvenile social isolation impacts. Lab & Affiliations: Based at Columbia’s Annenberg Building, her lab collaborates on CRISPR-based studies of oxytocin receptors and white matter alterations in ASD. She contributes to multi-disciplinary training programs in neuroscience.

• Neurobiology of Tinnitus
• Drug Abuse
• Clinical Chemistry
• +3 more

William Clyde Griffin PhD serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine. His academic focus encompasses the Neurobiology of Tinnitus, Drug Abuse, and Clinical Chemistry, with primary research conducted within addiction neuroscience frameworks. Dr. Griffin's research centers on molecular mechanisms of alcohol and drug dependence, with particular emphasis on: Neuroadaptations in glutamate and neuropeptide signaling during addiction Stress-induced relapse pathways and comorbid PTSD-alcohol use disorders Kappa opioid and oxytocin systems as therapeutic targets Sex differences in binge drinking neurobiology Redox protein adaptations across species His work integrates molecular, behavioral, and pharmacological approaches to dissect addiction pathways. Analysis of Dr. Griffin's 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on neuropharmacological mechanisms of alcohol use disorder. Key trends include: Predominance of rodent models investigating binge drinking and relapse Heavy emphasis on glutamate system dysregulation (GLT-1, mGluR5) Expanding research on neuropeptide systems (oxytocin, dynorphin) Increasing exploration of sex differences in addiction neurobiology Methodological focus on neurochemical measurements (microdialysis, c-Fos mapping) His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational addiction therapeutics. Dr. Griffin maintains active research operations within MUSC's College of Medicine infrastructure. While specific lab details aren't provided in source materials, his extensive publication record indicates ongoing rodent behavioral pharmacology studies focused on alcohol and drug dependence mechanisms. Current research appears centered on identifying novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for addiction treatment through molecular pathway analysis.

Meng LiuView profile

Associate Professor

• Sleep mechanisms
• Narcolepsy
• Optogenetics
• +3 more

Meng Liu, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). His research focuses on understanding sleep mechanisms, particularly narcolepsy, and utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as optogenetics, DREDD, and deep brain imaging. He is funded by NIH grants (R01 and R21) to study brain circuitry in narcolepsy. Dr. Liu’s work has pioneered orexin gene transfer to rescue narcoleptic symptoms in mice, demonstrating the critical role of specific neural circuits in sleep regulation. His laboratory is also investigating the role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons and GABAergic systems in sleep disorders. Dr. Liu’s research spans from basic neurobiology to translational studies, with a focus on neurodegenerative aspects of narcolepsy. He has published extensively on topics including optogenetic control of neural activity, the dynamics of cataplexy, and the effects of orexin and MCH neuronal activity on sleep-wake cycles. His contributions have advanced understanding of how targeted gene therapy and neural circuit modulation can ameliorate symptoms of narcolepsy. Dr. Liu’s NIH-funded projects aim to dissect the neural pathways underlying narcolepsy, with implications for developing therapies targeting specific brain regions. His work bridges molecular neuroscience with behavioral outcomes, emphasizing the importance of precise neural circuit interventions.

Timothy GreivesView profile

Associate Professor

• Physiological Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Seasonal Adaptation
• +3 more

Timothy Greives is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU). His research focuses on physiological and evolutionary mechanisms regulating life-history transitions in seasonal environments, particularly trade-offs between reproductive investment and immune function. He investigates how endogenous clocks influence fitness and the selective pressures driving precise timing mechanisms. His educational background includes advanced training in biological sciences, though specific degrees are not listed. Research interests emphasize understanding hormonal and cellular processes in seasonal adaptation, with studies on migratory birds and the impacts of environmental changes on behavior and physiology. In advising, Greives collaborates with students including graduate trainees Graham J.L. and Needham K.B., as well as undergraduate researchers Bertucci E.M. and Person A.A. He has secured grants such as the 2013 Collaborative Research project on adaptive plasticity and population divergence in songbirds. His work bridges laboratory studies with field observations to explore ecological and evolutionary questions. Greives maintains a lab home page and actively participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the RaMP program, which fosters collaborative research in dynamic environments. His research addresses urgent challenges in conservation, animal behavior, and climate change adaptation.

James OtisView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurobiology
• Addiction Research
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +3 more

James Otis, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) , where he leads the Otis Lab. His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying reward-seeking behaviors, both adaptive (foraging) and maladaptive (drug addiction). The lab employs advanced neurotechnologies such as optogenetics , two-photon microscopy , patch-clamp electrophysiology , and head-mounted microscopes to investigate neural circuit dynamics in mouse models. Key areas of investigation include cue-reward processing, memory reconsolidation, hypothalamic-brain interactions, and neural adaptations in obesity and addiction. Article trends demonstrate expertise in behavioral neuroscience, neural circuit mapping, and neuropharmacology of reward systems. Publications emphasize techniques like in vivo imaging, neuronal ensemble analysis, and molecular mechanisms of motivation. For lab inquiries, email otis@musc.edu .

Hiroyuki NakaiView profile

Professor

• Gene Therapy
• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Hiroyuki Nakai is a Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and a Senior Scientist at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). He holds dual appointments in the School of Medicine and is a Distinguished Professor in Molecular Medicine. His research focuses on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy, with expertise in vector biology, host interactions, and translational applications. Education: M.D. (1987) and Ph.D. (1994) in hematology-oncology from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. Postdoctoral training at Stanford University (Pediatrics/Genetics labs) and industry experience at Avigen Inc. (gene therapy development). Research Interests: AAV vector-host interactions, overcoming barriers in gene delivery, immune responses, and advancing AAV-based therapies for neurological, renal, and metabolic disorders. Techniques include molecular biology, bioinformatics, high-throughput sequencing, and primate models. Publications highlight innovations in capsid engineering, targeted delivery, and translational studies. His work addresses critical challenges in AAV safety, efficacy, and scalability for diverse human diseases. Labs/Teams: Leader of the AAV Vector Research Group at ONPRC, collaborating on primate studies and computational biology projects supported by the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center.

Peter SguignaView profile

Professor

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuroimmunology
• Neuro-Ophthalmology
• +3 more

Dr. Peter Sguigna is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, joining in 2020. His clinical practice focuses on multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuro-immunological disorders, particularly those with prominent visual symptoms. He leads clinical trials for MS treatments and utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging techniques to improve disease characterization. His research integrates neuro-ophthalmology with neuroimmunology, emphasizing non-invasive technologies like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and pupillometry. The Sguigna Lab explores visual system dysfunction in neurological diseases, aiming to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies. Collaborative efforts span regulatory navigation, data integrity, and translational research. Dr. Sguigna actively educates medical students, residents, and fellows, fostering hands-on training in both clinical and research settings. His work bridges basic science and clinical practice, with a focus on MS pathophysiology, symptom management, and innovative diagnostic tools. Recent publications highlight AI-driven diagnostics, clinical trial designs for immunotherapies, and neuroimaging biomarkers. His team’s translational approach addresses unmet needs in MS care, from symptom analysis to drug development.

Zhao ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Metabolic Diseases
• Hedgehog Signaling
• Obesity
• +5 more

Zhao Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD. He completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Shandong University (2008), Ph.D. in Developmental Biology at Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014), and postdoctoral training under Dr. Bruce Beutler at UT Southwestern. His lab investigates the dynamic regulation of KBTBD2, novel BTB domain proteins, and genetic factors influencing energy balance. Key contributions include identifying the 'teeny' metabolic syndrome linked to Kbtbd2 mutations and securing an NIH K99/R00 award. Research interests span Hedgehog signaling in developmental contexts, genetic screens for metabolic regulators, and translational strategies for therapeutic intervention. Recent work highlights GPR75's role in obesity regulation via primary cilia and OVOL2's dual role in thermogenesis and adipogenesis. Awards include the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2017).

Andrew ZinnView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Growth Disorders
• Sex Chromosome Abnormalities
• +2 more

Dr. Andrew Zinn is Professor and Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he also directs the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). His research program at the Eugene McDermott Center focuses on human genetic disorders including growth abnormalities, sex chromosome disorders, and hereditary obesity. Education: B.A. in Plan II (University of Texas at Austin, 1981) M.D./Ph.D. (UT Southwestern Medical Scientist Training Program, 1988) Residency in Internal Medicine (Massachusetts General Hospital) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Human Genetics (Whitehead Institute, MIT) Research focuses on genetic mechanisms underlying growth disorders and metabolic conditions. Key areas include: Genetic regulation of energy balance and obesity pathways Sex chromosome abnormalities and associated phenotypes Molecular basis of rare growth disorders Neuroendocrine control of appetite and metabolism Publications demonstrate consistent focus on genetic obesity syndromes and chromosomal disorders. Recent work shows expanded focus on neurodevelopmental aspects of genetic conditions and immunological manifestations of inherited disorders.

Grégoire CourtineView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neuroprosthetics
• Motor Control
• +3 more

Grégoire Courtine is a Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), directing the UPCOURTINE lab within the Neuro-X Institute. His research focuses on developing neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation strategies to restore motor function after spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The lab combines spinal cord stimulation robotic interfaces optogenetics single-cell omics clinical translation to advance treatments for paralysis and movement disorders. Recent work spans both fundamental studies and clinical trials, including interventions for Parkinson’s disease and orthostatic hypotension. Publications highlight innovations in deep brain stimulation neuroprosthetic systems spinal cord mapping autonomic function modulation with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches bridging neuroscience and engineering.

• Gene therapy
• Neurological surgery
• Parkinson's disease
• +5 more

Michael G Kaplitt , M.D., Ph.D., is a leading Professor of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College , with additional appointments in Neurology, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Neuroscience. He serves as the David and Ursel Barnes Professor in Minimally Invasive Surgery , focusing on surgical treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, particularly pioneering MR-guided focused ultrasound techniques. Education : Ph.D. in Molecular Neurobiology from The Rockefeller University (1993) M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College (1995) B.A. in Molecular Biology and Russian Studies from Princeton University (1987) His research spans gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, molecular neurobiology , and neurosurgical innovations . Notably, he conducted the first FDA-approved gene therapy trial for Parkinson's Disease and continues investigating AAV vectors and focused ultrasound applications. Dr. Kaplitt has published over 40 papers and edited two books, including Gene Therapy of the Central Nervous System: From Bench to Bedside . His scientific awards include the Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Gene Therapy and Crain's 40 Under 40 recognition. He collaborates with institutions like MeiraGTx, LLC and Graviton Bioscience Corporation , holding proprietary interests in gene therapy technologies. His clinical expertise includes deep brain stimulation , spinal cord stimulators , and trigeminal neuralgia treatment.

CLÀUDIA COLL MARTINEZView profile

Researcher

• Neurodegeneration
• Neuroinflammation
• Multiple Sclerosis
• +5 more

CLÀUDIA COLL MARTINEZ is a pre-doctoral researcher (R1) focused on neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory processes, particularly in multiple sclerosis (MS). Her work bridges clinical research with translational science, emphasizing biomarker discovery and cognitive rehabilitation programs. She collaborates on projects funded by institutions like the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and AGÈNCIA DE GESTIÓ UNIVERSITARIS I RECERCA. Her research interests include: Cognitive impairment mechanisms in MS Biomarker development for neurodegenerative processes Gut-brain axis interactions Obesity's impact on neurocognitive functions Imaging techniques for disease tracking Key projects include the MS-LINE! cognitive rehabilitation program and EM-Line!Kids pediatric rehabilitation initiative. Recent work explores cytokine profiles, microRNA markers, and microbiota influences on brain function. She has published extensively in journals like Frontiers in Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Notable contributions focus on: Interleukin-6/8 biomarker potential for cognitive outcomes IVIM MRI metrics for obesity-related brain perfusion Blastocystis microbiota's cognitive effects Current affiliations involve collaborative work in neuroimaging and nutritional health research groups. She actively participates in multidisciplinary teams addressing both clinical and basic neuroscience questions.