Nobu Suto

Nobu Suto, Ph.D., is a research faculty member at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, affiliated with the College of Medicine and Science and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He leads an active research laboratory focused on the neurobiological basis of addiction, serving as a principal investigator and program director with a history of NIH-funded research.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychology (Biological Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience), University of Chicago
• M.A. in Psychology (Biological Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience), University of Chicago
• B.A., University of California at Berkeley
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, NIH

Dr. Suto's research investigates the neural mechanisms underlying compulsive behavior and relapse in drug and food addiction. His work spans three major areas: (1) brain mechanisms driving compulsive behavior across drug and food addiction, using murine models to identify punishment-resistant intake behaviors; (2) the intensification of drug craving during prolonged abstinence, focusing on transcriptional changes in drug-reactive neuronal ensembles; and (3) antidrug relapse mechanisms, particularly how drug omission cues recruit neurons in the infralimbic cortex to suppress relapse. His laboratory employs molecular, chemogenetic, optogenetic, neurochemical, and bioinformatic techniques to dissect neurocircuit-specific and cell type-specific adaptations.

Although no specific publications are listed in the provided text, his research portfolio indicates a strong focus on identifying 'druggable' targets in the brain that could lead to novel antiaddiction medications effective across substance use disorders and eating-related conditions like binge-eating disorder and obesity. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications in patient care.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards mentioned in the text.

Dr. Suto has been awarded seven National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants as a principal investigator and program director, reflecting sustained external funding and recognition of his research's significance. He mentors a research team and collaborates extensively with academic and industry partners nationally and internationally. His lab integrates gene sequencing, editing, data science, and analytical chemistry in a cross-disciplinary approach.

Laboratories and Research Teams:

Dr. Suto leads an independent research laboratory at Mayo Clinic, building on prior work initiated at The Scripps Research Institute. His team utilizes advanced neuroscience tools to explore addiction mechanisms, with a focus on relapse suppression and craving modulation. The lab operates within the research infrastructure of Mayo Clinic, leveraging core facilities and collaborative networks.