Neurobiology
Our department features several investigators with primary research interests in preclinical models of neurological disease and psychiatric disorders. These faculty have complementary expertise in neurobiology, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, metabolism, and behavior. Their research groups use integrative, cutting-edge experimental approaches, including in vivo and ex vivo brain electrophysiology, fiber photometry, chemogenetics, flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), advanced transcriptomic and proteomic assays, confocal, electron, x-ray, and other advanced microscopy techniques coupled with sophisticated image analyses, as well as complex behavioral and cognitive assessments. To study specific molecular and cellular mechanisms, many labs use transgenic animal models, adeno-associated viral tools, and pharmacological manipulations. Published work by these investigators has provided novel insights into the neurobiology of stress and addiction, effects of diet and cancer on neurodevelopment, roles for microglia and astrocytes in regulating synaptic function, mechanisms of neuronal repair and recovery, and potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic interventions. Beyond research accomplishments, these faculty are dedicated to educating and training the next generation of scientists by teaching graduate, medical, and undergraduate courses and serving as mentors for dissertation research or capstone experiences in research.
PPN Neurobiology Labs:
Herman Laboratory
We explore structural, functional and molecular biological principles underlying stress integration, with an emphasis on delineating mechanisms linking stress with mental illness and cognitive disorders.
Kirley Laboratory
My laboratory is characterizing a therapeutic anti-cocaine antibody (w/ Dr. Andy Norman). We also have a long-standing interest in structure/function analysis of ecto-nucleotidases.
Maclennan Laboratory
Our laboratory focuses on gene therapy targeting muscle ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) signaling as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
McReynolds Laboratory
Our laboratory studies how stress facilitates or exacerbates pathological brain states and behavior, such as substance use disorder.
Norman Laboratory
The focus of the Norman laboratory is translational research to develop medications for the treatment of cocaine abuse.
Perez-Tilve Laboratory
Our laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms involved in the neuroendocrine control of energy balance.
Pixley Laboratory
The Pixley lab focuses on novel applications of metallic biomaterials, particularly to repair damaged nervous tissues.
Reyes Laboratory
The Reyes laboratory examines the effects of early-life adversity on behavior and cognition in mice, with a focus neural-immune interactions.
Sah Laboratory
The Sah laboratory seeks to understand mechanisms that promote vulnerability to psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder and panic disorder
Timme Laboratory
Research in our laboratory is focused on understanding the neural computations underlying decision-making and how they malfunction during addiction.
Ulrich-Lai Laboratory
Our research goal is to identify the neural and hormonal substrates that are responsible for the interactions among diet, obesity, and stress.
Wohleb Laboratory
Our research group studies how neuroimmune systems shape synaptic function and behavior in pathological and physiological conditions.
Contact Us
Department of Pharmacology, Physiology,
and Neurobiology
College of Medicine
PO Box 670576
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576
Ms. Jennifer Bedel
Associate To The Chair
Phone: 513-558-5636
Email: bedelj@ucmail.uc.edu