Gonzalo Torres

Gonzalo Torres is a Professor and Chair of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine. His research focuses on neurotransmitter mechanisms, particularly dopamine transporter regulation, synaptic physiology, and neuropharmacology. He has contributed significantly to understanding dopamine's role in addiction, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromodulation. Dr. Torres has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and holds expertise in molecular neuroscience, synaptic mechanisms, and translational pharmacology.

Research interests include:

• Dopamine transporter structure-function relationships
• G-protein signaling pathways
• Hormonal programming of neural circuits
• Neurotransmitter release and reuptake mechanisms
• Psychostimulant drug actions

Recent work explores gut microbiota's impact on Parkinson's disease, sleep-wake state effects on dopamine systems, and methodological advancements in neurochemical analysis. He was nominated for Graduate Faculty of the Year 2024 by two tracks in Loyola's graduate programs.

Current roles include departmental leadership, mentoring graduate students, and directing research programs investigating dopamine's role in brain function and disease.