Yuriy Usachev

Yuriy Usachev, PhD, is a Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology at the University of Iowa, holding the John Paul Long Professorship in the Department of Pharmacology. He leads the Yuriy Usachev Laboratory, focusing on pain mechanisms and mitochondrial biology. His research integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, and behavioral studies to address chronic pain, mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Education:

• MSc in Physics—Optics and Spectroscopy, Kiev State University
• BS in Physics—Optics and Spectroscopy, Kiev State University
• PhD in Biology, International Center of Molecular Physiology
• Postdoctoral Fellowships at University of Cambridge and University of Minnesota

Research Interests:

• Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Pain: Investigates proinflammatory mediators (e.g., C3a, C5a) and ion channels (TRPV1, Nav1.7) in nociceptor sensitization.
• Mitochondrial Function in Neuronal Survival: Examines mitochondrial Ca²⁺ dynamics, fission/fusion balance, and their roles in stroke, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
• Neuroenergetics and Stress Response: Studies mitochondrial regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in hyperglycemia and glutamate toxicity.

Recent Trends in Publications: His work emphasizes mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport in neuroprotection, complement system roles in pain, and TRP channel signaling in sensory neurons. Recent studies highlight the BBSome’s role in metabolic regulation and neuronal mitochondrial dynamics.

Awards: No explicit awards listed, but his research is supported by affiliations with the Cardiovascular Research Center, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, and Iowa Neuroscience Institute.

Advising & Grants: While no student names are listed, his lab collaborates across disciplines, including the Pain Research Program and predoctoral training grants in Pharmacological Sciences. His work addresses translational opportunities in pain management and neurodegenerative therapies.

Labs/Teams: The Yuriy Usachev Laboratory at the Bowen Science Building (BSB) focuses on integrating molecular, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to advance understanding of pain and mitochondrial dysfunction.