Martyn Goulding

Martyn Goulding is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, holding the Frederick W. and Joanna J. Mitchell Chair. He leads the Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, where his research focuses on understanding the neural circuits in the spinal cord that control movement, pain, and itch sensations. His work has significant implications for developing therapies for spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, ALS, and chronic pain conditions.

• MS (Honours) Cell Biology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
• PhD, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany

Goulding's research centers on the neural circuits of the spinal cord that control movement and process sensory information. He has made groundbreaking discoveries about how specific interneuron cell types (V0, V1, V2b) control locomotion patterns, balance, and protective motor behaviors. His work also explores the neural pathways that transmit pain and itch sensations, seeking to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying chronic pain and itch. This research aims to develop better therapies that don't rely on opioids, addressing the current addiction problems associated with pain management.

Goulding's recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on mapping and understanding spinal cord circuitry. His work spans from fundamental research on neural development and organization to translational studies with potential clinical applications. Key themes include the neural mechanisms of locomotion, pain processing pathways, itch sensation circuits, and the organization of sensorimotor reflexes. His research increasingly incorporates sophisticated genetic tools and behavioral tests to dissect these complex neural systems, with growing attention to the emotional aspects of pain and touch.

• American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2024
• Brain Award, 2022
• NINDS R35 Outstanding Investigator Award, 2019
• Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, 2006
• Pew Scholar, 1994-1998
• Basil O'Connor Research Prize, 1993-1995

As principal investigator of a highly productive laboratory, Goulding leads a team of researchers working on cutting-edge neuroscience projects. His lab has secured significant funding, including a $14.3 million NIH grant in 2019 to map circuits for movement. His collaborative approach involves numerous researchers across different disciplines, resulting in high-impact publications in top journals. Goulding's mentorship has helped train the next generation of neuroscientists, though specific students aren't listed in the available documentation.

Goulding directs the Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology at the Salk Institute, where his team has developed comprehensive genetic toolkits and sophisticated behavioral tests to functionally dissect spinal cord circuits. The lab's research spans from basic neural development to translational applications for neurological conditions. Their collaborative environment brings together expertise in genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, and behavioral analysis to tackle complex questions about how the spinal cord controls movement and processes sensory information.