Pharmacology, Integrative and Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch
Mission
The Pharmacology, Integrative and Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch (PICNRB) supports studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of neurotransmission in normal and drug-exposed systems. The level of analysis is primarily at the system, or neural circuit, but also includes research into regulatory proteins and mechanisms within single cells or in vitro systems. Applications fostered by the PICNRB utilize a wide variety of tools and techniques to address these issues, and include (but are not limited to) anatomical and neurochemical methods, the analysis of gene expression by microarrays, classical assays of receptor binding and function, functional analysis of the results of lesions, virally-mediated gene transfer, intracranial stimulation, and the use of genetic knockout models.
Program Areas
The grant portfolios maintained within this branch address several basic science issues:
- Neuropharmacology of all abused substances except alcohol as it applies to cellular and neuronal systems.
- Mechanisms underlying neurotransmission, at the protein and circuit levels, including the processes of signal transduction, the coupling of receptors to second messenger systems, receptor internalization and its consequences, and trafficking of regulatory elements within the neuron.
- The study of persistent neuroadaptations that occur as a consequence of drug exposure, including structural and functional changes in the brain associated with long-term drug use and drug withdrawal, neurotoxicity, neuroprotection, tolerance and sensitization, and comorbidity with other disease states.
- Neuroendocrine modulation of neural systems and their functions, including the study of neurosteroids, neuroactive steroids, gender-related brain function, non-opioid peptides, and hormones of the stress axis as they affect neurotransmission.
Contacts
Division Contact Information
Nancy S. Pilotte, Ph.D.
Chief
(301) 443-6975
Dr. Pilotte's programmatic interests lie in the studies of structural and functional neuroadaptations that occur as a long-term consequence of drug use and drug withdrawal, especially those induced by psychostimulants, and in studies of the interaction of the neuroendocrine system with the regulatory processes in neurotransmission.
Jerry Frankenheim, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
(301) 443-6975
Dr. Frankenheim's programmatic interests include research on the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine and its analogues in development and in adult organisms, neuroprotection, and the pharmacology and functional effects of the so-called "Club Drugs" (LSD, PCP, GHB, ecstasy), the cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, and amphetamine and its derivatives.
Geraline Lin, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
(301) 443-6975
Dr. Lin maintains a program in the mechanisms of action of opiate and cannabinoid receptors and their functional activity (tolerance, sensitization), including linkage with signal transduction mechanisms, and the consequences of receptor internalization. She is also interested in the mechanisms of methamphetamine neurotoxicity, in the area of neuropeptides related to drugs of abuse, the role of neurotrophic factors in neuroplasticity, and studies of monoamine transporters.
Yu Lin, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
(301) 443-6975
Dr. Yu Lin's programmatic interests include neuropharmacological research, at the protein and circuit level, on properties of neuronal activity and plasticity, functional assessment of ionic dynamics, mechanisms of endogenous modulation of synaptic transmission and integration of neurotransmitter systems as it relates to drug abuse.
Anner Grantham
Branch Secretary
(301) 443-6975
As Secretary for the Pharmacology, Integrative & Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, and the Translational Research Branch, Ms. Grantham obtains and mails out summary statements to the applicants, tracks branch grants and receives visitors and telephone calls for both branches.
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