Michael Barish

Michael Barish is a Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA. His research focuses on neurosciences, particularly the neurobiology of development and physiological studies of neural progenitor cell differentiation, as well as signaling between HB1.F3 immortalized human neural progenitor cells and their glioma targets.

Education:

• Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Stanford University (1980)
• S.B., Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1972)

His research investigates how spontaneous electrical activity during brain development influences neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and glioma progression. Using imaging, electrophysiology, and confocal microscopy, he studies calcium responses in NPCs within the hippocampus and the role of Cl⁻ transporters like NKCC1 and KCC2 in neural maturation. Collaborative studies with Drs. Karen Aboody and Carlotta Glackin explore tumor homing mechanisms by HB1.F3 cells and their therapeutic potential.

Awards & Memberships:

• Editorial Board, Journal of Physiology (London) (1995–2002)
• Visiting Researcher, Electrotechnical Laboratory, Tsukuba, Japan (1994–1999)
• Established Investigatorship, American Heart Association (1989–1993)
• Faculty Research Award, UC Irvine (1986)
• Arthur C. Giese Award in Marine Biology, Stanford University (1980)

His lab studies activity-dependent signaling in NPCs and glioma, focusing on how immature neurons' depolarizing GABAA receptor activation and tumor-induced developmental regression affect brain excitability and tumor progression.