Bryan Roth

Bryan Roth, MD, PhD, is the Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads the Roth Lab, which focuses on molecular neuropharmacology and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) research. Dr. Roth has made significant contributions to the field through his development of the DREADD (Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug) technology and receptorome profiling platform, which have revolutionized neuroscience research approaches worldwide.

Dr. Roth's research spans over 30 years in molecular neuropharmacology. His laboratory pioneered the DREADD technology, which enables non-invasive remote control of neuronal signaling via orthologous ligand-receptor pairs. This innovative approach has been shared with nearly 300 labs worldwide since its introduction in 2007. Additionally, Dr. Roth developed the receptorome profiling platform, which identifies molecular targets for novel biological entities across numerous neuronal molecular targets. His work primarily focuses on GPCRs, including serotonin and opioid receptors, with applications in neuroscience, psychiatry, and drug discovery. Dr. Roth serves as the principal contractor for the National Institute of Mental Health's Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH-PDSP), through which his lab has collaborated with nearly 400 labs globally over the past 3.5 years.

Analysis of Dr. Roth's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on structural biology approaches to understanding GPCR function. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques including cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, and computational modeling to elucidate receptor mechanisms. Key themes include DREADD technology development, psychedelic compound mechanisms, opioid receptor signaling, and the structural basis of receptor activation. His work bridges basic science with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, as evidenced by recent publications on non-addictive painkillers and gene therapy for chronic pain.

• Highly Cited Researchers (Top 1%), Web of Science, Clarivate Analytics (2020-2024)
• PhRMA Foundation Excellence in Pharmacology Award (2011)
• NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Award (2008)
• Michael Hooker Distinguished Professorship at UNC-Chapel Hill (2007-present)
• Irving Page Lecture, Serotonin Club Meeting (2010)
• Plenary Lecturer at Roche Pharmaceuticals Global Research (2007)
• Prestige Lecture at Université de Montréal (2007)

As principal contractor for the NIMH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP), Dr. Roth oversees significant research resources that serve the global scientific community. His lab maintains several important databases including the Ki Database, Tracer Database, and Anat. Profiling GPCR resources. The Roth Lab has developed innovative platforms like PRESTO-Tango and DREADDs that have transformed chemogenetic approaches in neuroscience research. Dr. Roth actively collaborates with numerous laboratories worldwide, facilitating research in GPCR pharmacology and drug discovery. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets including Nature, The New York Times, and Raleigh Magazine, highlighting the translational impact of his research on pain management and psychedelic therapeutics.