معرفی
Olimpia Meucci, MD, PhD is Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine and heads the Meucci Laboratory, which investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal survival, differentiation, and HIV neuropathology in the context of drug abuse.
The laboratory’s core research centers on chemokine signaling in the central nervous system, especially how chemokine receptors interact with glutamatergic and opioid receptor systems. By delineating both neuroprotective and deleterious actions of chemokines, the team aims to identify therapeutic strategies for neuroAIDS and other neuroimmune disorders.
Recent accomplishments include the development of a human brain-slice culture model of neuroHIV, elucidation of CXCL12-mediated control of dendritic spine dynamics, and discovery of opioid regulation of iron transport. These studies integrate electrophysiology, high-resolution imaging, molecular biology, and translational approaches.
Awards & Honors:
- 2024 Taiwan Microscopy Competition – First Place (student Chunta Ho)
Training & Mentorship:
- PhD graduate Chunta Ho successfully defended in 2024
- Master’s graduate James Johnson defended 2023
- PhD graduate Jared Luchetta defended 2023
- Post-doctoral fellow Dr. Elena Irollo leading new publications
- Dr. Jennifer Kelschenbach joined as senior scientist July 2025
The Meucci Lab currently recruits a senior scientist and post-doctoral fellows, continuing its collaborative, NIH-funded program that bridges basic neuroscience and clinical translation.
