Ricardo Mostany

Ricardo Mostany is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine. He leads the Mostany Lab, focusing on synaptic plasticity, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. His work employs advanced imaging techniques like two-photon microscopy to study dendritic spine dynamics in vivo. He holds a PhD in Neurobiology from the Universidad de León and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Cantabria and UCLA. His research explores how aging and brain injury affect cortical circuits, with applications to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Education:

• BS in Biological Sciences, Universidad de León (1996)
• PhD in Neurobiology, Universidad de León (2001)
• Postdoctoral Research: Dr. Angel Pazos (2002-2006)
• Postdoctoral Research: Dr. Carlos Portera-Cailliau (2006-2012)

Research Interests:
His lab investigates cortical synaptic plasticity, particularly in aging and disease models. Key areas include:

• Dynamics of dendritic spines under sensory deprivation, stroke, and aging
• Neurovascular coupling and mitochondrial dysfunction in cerebral microvessels
• Optogenetic modulation of neural circuits
• Therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s and glioblastoma

Awards and Collaboration:
Received the 2018 Tulane Brain Institute’s Marko Spark Innovation Award. Collaborates with institutions like the Tulane Center for Gene Therapy and University of Missouri. Funded by the National Institute on Aging and Louisiana Board of Regents EPSCoR.

Labs and Resources:
His lab integrates imaging, optogenetics, and molecular biology. Key resources include chronic cranial window techniques and in vivo two-photon microscopy. The lab collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in neurobiology, bioengineering, and oncology.