معرفی
Dixon Woodbury serves as Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University's College of Life Sciences, where his research centers on molecular mechanisms of exocytosis and membrane biophysics. His laboratory investigates SNARE protein functions in vesicle fusion, the molecular target of neurotoxins like botulinum, and how alcohols/cholesterol modulate neurotransmission.
His academic credentials include a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of California, Irvine (1986) and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Utah (1980).
Dr. Woodbury's work in molecular neuroscience focuses on SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion using biophysical approaches. His lab employs circular dichroism, planar bilayer systems, and molecular dynamics to study how environmental factors alter SNAP-25 conformation and fusion kinetics. This research has direct implications for understanding neurotoxin mechanisms and alcohol's impact on neurotransmission.
Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent exploration of SNAP-25 structural dynamics under alcohol exposure, oxidative stress, and anesthetic conditions. His work demonstrates that membrane lipid perturbation—not direct SNARE modification—drives alcohol-induced fusion changes, challenging established paradigms in neuropharmacology.
His accolades include:
- College Professorship, College of Life Science, BYU (2008-2009)
- College Creative Achievement Award, BYU (2004)
- University Service Award, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2000)
- College Teaching Award, Wayne State University School of Medicine (1997)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Muscular Dystrophy Association (1986-1988)
- Harold E. Lamport Award, Biophysical Society (1986)
As former Department Chair (2012-2018) and current Biophysical Society officer, Dr. Woodbury mentors neuroscience students while securing research funding for his lab's investigations into membrane fusion mechanisms. His work bridges basic biophysics with clinical neuropharmacology.
The Woodbury Lab (woodburylab.byu.edu) maintains active collaborations with the BYU Neuroscience Center and focuses on translating membrane biophysics discoveries into therapeutic insights for neurotoxin exposure and alcohol-related disorders.
