معرفی
Peter Gaskill, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine. He leads the Gaskill Lab, which focuses on the intersection of HIV neuropathogenesis, neuroimmunity, and dopamine signaling in myeloid cells. His research investigates how drug abuse and dopamine-modulating therapeutics influence HIV infection and neuroimmune function, particularly in macrophages.
- Education:
- BA in History, BS in Biochemistry - University of California, San Diego (1999)
- PhD in Biological Sciences - The Scripps Research Institute (2006)
- Affiliations:
- Member, Society for Neuroimmune Pharmacology (Awards & Meetings Committees)
- Principal Investigator, Gaskill Lab
Research Interests: Dr. Gaskill's work centers on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), dopamine-mediated changes in HIV infection of macrophages, and the role of neurotransmitters in neuroimmune dysfunction. His lab explores how substances of abuse and legal therapeutics (e.g., antidepressants) alter macrophage immune responses and HIV replication. Key projects include understanding how dopamine increases HIV entry into macrophages via calcium signaling and identifying novel therapeutic targets to mitigate neuroHIV.
Key Awards & Grants:
- Outstanding Service and Support Award, Society for Neuroimmune Pharmacology (2017)
- Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01), NIDA (2010)
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F32), NIDA (2008)
Advising & Lab Members: Dr. Gaskill mentors a dynamic team of postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and technicians. Current projects include investigating dopamine's role in inflammasome activation, HIV drug resistance, and the impact of antidepressants on macrophage function. Former lab members have contributed to seminal studies on CCR5 conformation dynamics and dopamine receptor signaling in HIV infection.
Labs & Collaborations: The Gaskill Lab is affiliated with Drexel's College of Medicine and collaborates with institutions like Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Scripps Research Institute. Ongoing initiatives include high-content imaging of viral dynamics in myeloid cells and exploring the neuroimmunomodulatory effects of dopamine in the context of aging with HIV.
