معرفی
Nune Darbinian, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine in the Department of Neural Sciences. She also holds an appointment as Assistant Professor at the Center for Neural Development and Repair. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular changes in the brain caused by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Dr. Darbinian's educational background includes:
- CAST Fellowship at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- PhD in Genetics from the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow
- MS in Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology from Moscow State University
- MS in Biotechnology and Cell Engineering from St. Petersburg State University
- BS/MS in Microbiology and Chemistry from Yerevan State University
Dr. Darbinian's research primarily investigates biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and the molecular genetics underlying these conditions. Her lab focuses on studying genetic and molecular changes in the brain caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Selzer's lab, she examines exosomes - tiny particles that indicate activity in brain cells including neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These exosomes may potentially serve as diagnostic biomarkers for FASD when detected in maternal blood. Her research also explores how neuronal and oligodendrocyte loss occurs in FASD through clinical studies with the Department of OB/GYN.
Analysis of Dr. Darbinian's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, particularly examining the molecular and cellular mechanisms affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Her work spans neuroscience, molecular biology, and clinical research, with significant attention to exosomal biomarkers, oligodendrocyte pathology, and the impact of alcohol on neural development. Recent publications show increasing emphasis on diagnostic applications and the connection between molecular changes and behavioral outcomes in FASD.
Dr. Darbinian is actively involved in training medical, graduate, and undergraduate students as part of her academic responsibilities. Her research involves collaboration with multiple departments and labs at Temple University, including Dr. Michael Selzer's laboratory and the Department of OB/GYN. She maintains a human pediatric tissue biobank to support her research on FASD.
Dr. Darbinian leads research in the Center for Neural Development and Repair, where her laboratory investigates the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development. Her team works closely with clinicians and basic scientists to translate laboratory findings into potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for FASD.
