معرفی
Tom Abbruscato, PhD, is a Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Associate Dean at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Pharmacy. He has held these positions since 2008 (Associate Dean) and 2012 (Chair). His research lab investigates the neurovascular unit's response to brain ischemia, focusing on blood-brain barrier dynamics, drug transport mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for stroke recovery.
Education:
- PhD: University of Arizona College of Medicine (1997)
- BS: University of Arizona (1992)
Dr. Abbruscato's research integrates stroke pathophysiology, blood-brain barrier transport, and the effects of smoking/diabetes on cerebral health. His work employs in vitro and in vivo models to explore neuroprotection, opioid receptor targeting, and glucose transporter regulation during ischemic events. The lab's primary goal is translating preclinical discoveries into clinical treatments for stroke, where therapeutic options remain limited.
His recent publications (2010-2015) emphasize stroke therapeutics, blood-brain barrier permeability, and nicotine's impact on brain ischemia. Trends include opioid agonists (e.g., biphalin) as neuroprotectants, glucose transporter dysregulation in stroke, and innovative in vitro BBB models for drug screening.
Awards and Honors:
- NIH Study Section Chair & Chartered Member (2013-2015)
- Chancellor's Research Award (TTUHSC, 2013)
- Editorial Boards: JPET, Life Sciences, Experimental Stroke and Translational Medicine
- Invited Speaker at Gordon Research Conferences, International Stroke Conference
- President’s Young Investigator Award (TTUHSC, 2003)
- Multiple NIH NRSA Fellowships (1997-2000)
He mentors graduate students as Major Advisor and Dissertation Committee member, fostering academic development in pharmaceutical sciences. His lab collaborates extensively on stroke and neurovascular research, contributing to national consortia and peer-reviewed initiatives.
