Philip F. Copenhaver

Philip F. Copenhaver is Professor of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, where he directs the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) and the Development, Differentiation, and Disease (D3) track within the Program in Biomedical Sciences. He also serves as course director in the Neuroscience Graduate Program and primary instructor for human embryology in the medical school.

His educational background includes B.S. and M.S. degrees from Stanford University (1979) and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Washington (1985). Postdoctoral training followed at Washington University Medical School with Paul Taghert (1986-1989) and the University of Washington with William Moody (1989-1990).

Dr. Copenhaver's research centers on neuronal migration mechanisms during embryogenesis, utilizing Manduca sexta as a primary model system. His laboratory investigates conserved signaling pathways including APP as an unconventional GPCR regulating neuronal motility via Gαo, GPI-linked ephrin reverse signaling through Src kinases, and isoform-specific functions of Fasciclin II in neural development. Current projects bridge Alzheimer's disease mechanisms with developmental neurobiology through collaborations with the Oregon Brain Bank and clinical researchers.

Analysis of his 2021-2023 publications reveals three converging research trajectories: (1) APP-G protein signaling in neurodegeneration, (2) estrogen receptor modulation of amyloid toxicity, and (3) conserved mechanisms of neuronal guidance. His work uniquely integrates insect models with mammalian systems to identify evolutionarily preserved pathways relevant to both developmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.

Through the CDB and PBMS programs, Dr. Copenhaver mentors graduate students in developmental neurobiology and collaborates on translational projects involving drug screening for amyloid toxicity. His laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in Manduca embryology, Drosophila genetics, and mammalian neuron culture for cross-system validation of signaling mechanisms.

The laboratory operates as an integrated neuroscience hub within OHSU's Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, utilizing the Oregon Brain Bank for human tissue analysis and collaborating with pharmacologists to test ion channel blockers and novel compounds targeting membrane estrogen receptors. Current research focuses on defining APP's normal regulatory functions to identify new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease.