Andrei V. Derbenev

Andrei V. Derbenev, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at Tulane University School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from the Pavlov Institute of Physiology (Russian Academy of Sciences, 1999) and completed postdoctoral training at Tulane University (1999-2006) and the University of Kentucky (2006-2007). His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying autonomic nervous system control, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Current studies investigate synaptic organization of autonomic control pathways in the spinal cord and brainstem, endocannabinoid modulation, and neuronal networks regulating kidney and liver function. His lab employs patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and molecular techniques.

Publications emphasize autonomic neural circuits in metabolic regulation, TRP channel roles in diabetes/obesity, and brain-liver communication pathways. He advises students including Hong Gao (Research Scientist) and Lucie Desmoulins (Postdoc). Collaborations involve energy balance studies with institutions like the University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina.