Behnam Ghasemzadeh

Dr. Behnam Ghasemzadeh is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University, affiliated with the College of Health Sciences. His research focuses on the neurobiology of addiction and schizophrenia, elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral modifications. Key areas include cocaine-mediated plasticity in glutamate signaling and novel therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. Techniques employed span behavioral pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and molecular biology.

Research Interests:
- Addiction neurobiology, particularly glutamate receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity in cocaine addiction.
- Schizophrenia mechanisms, targeting cognitive deficits and developing side-effect-free therapies.
- Role of Homer proteins and mGluR5 in addiction and psychiatric disorders.

Publications highlight cocaine’s effects on glutamate systems, extinction of drug self-administration, and gene expression changes in drug abuse. Current work aims to translate findings into clinical applications for schizophrenia treatment.

Lab Focus: Investigates novel brain mechanisms for reversing schizophrenia symptoms and advancing addiction research through preclinical models. Collaborates on pharmacological target identification and therapeutic development.