Patrick J. Mulholland

Dr. Patrick J. Mulholland is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), part of the College of Medicine. He holds dual affiliations in the Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. His research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction, synaptic plasticity, and the neurotoxic effects of alcohol. Dr. Mulholland earned his PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology from the University of Kentucky before completing postdoctoral training at MUSC. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015 and Professor in 2020.

His research investigates how alcohol exposure alters synaptic function, particularly through glutamatergic systems and potassium channel regulation. Key areas include ethanol-induced neurotoxicity, dendritic spine adaptations, and stress-alcohol interactions. He leads components of the Charleston Alcohol Research Center, serving as PI of a research program and Co-Director of the Pilot Project Core. Dr. Mulholland’s work spans preclinical models, exploring mechanisms of alcohol dependence, relapse, and neural circuit dysregulation.

• Education: PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology (University of Kentucky)

Publications highlight studies on ethanol’s effects on hippocampal and cerebellar neurons, glucocorticoid interactions, and novel therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders. His lab employs electrophysiology, slice cultures, and behavioral assays to dissect addiction-related neuroplasticity. Collaborative projects include investigating Kcnq4 channel regulation and cross-species synaptic biomarkers in heavy-drinking macaques.