David H. Farb, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics; Director of the NIGMS Training Program in BioMolecular Pharmacology
Principal Investigator, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology
David H. Farb, Ph.D., was appointed Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics at Boston University (BU) Medical Campus on July 1, 1990. After founding the NIGMS Training Program in BioMolecular Pharmacology at BU, and 26 years of continuous funding from NIGMS, Dr. Farb decided to return to research to pursue his interests in neural-circuitry-level drug discovery. He stepped down from the department chair position on December 15, 2022, and continues to work full-time in research, teaching, and service as Director of the university-wide NIGMS training program in Biomolecular Pharmacology. He has also served as a member of the Drug Development Work Group of Mass Insight, co-author of the Massachusetts Technology Road Map for Drug Discovery, and a consultant for a number of small to large pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and patent litigation companies. For the past 9 years he has represented the academic community of Massachusetts as an expert in clinical pharmacology on the Board of Pharmacy’s Licensure Advisory Committee and the Sub Committee on Adverse Events in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
As head of the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, he focuses on the identification of pharmacological treatments for disorders of learning and memory function. His research integrates existing electrophysiological, behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular genetic technologies in a novel systems-level platform for assessing the impact of cognitive enhancers such as neuroactive steroids upon fundamental hippocampal systems for pattern separation (encoding), and pattern completion (retrieval), that are believed to be essential for cognition in all mammals, including man. Deficits in aspects of episodic memory dependent on hippocampal function are evident in a variety of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, and normal aging. Existing pharmacotherapies are limited and carry substantial risk of adverse effects.
The Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology has a strong history of using a multidisciplinary approach that includes electrophysiological techniques combined with classic behavioral and molecular biological methods to investigate the mechanisms and modalities of novel therapeutics and advance the treatment of disorders and diseases of the nervous system.
In search of more effective approaches to drug discovery, high-density in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake freely behaving rats are presently being used in the Farb Laboratory to identify changes in hippocampal function that underlie cognitive deficits due to aging and disease and, to assess for the functional neural network correlates associated with effective therapeutics. Dr. Farb and the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology are among the researchers and laboratories that comprise the Boston University Center for Systems Neuroscience.
The use of nanoparticles encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules is being explored for delivery of drugs across the blood brain barrier. Nanoparticle composition is being engineered to facilitate better delivery of drugs to specific target sites. Neuroactive drugs and proteins, biomarkers for novel diagnostics, sensitive dyes for neural mapping, and many other applications of nanoparticles are envisioned. The major advantage of this technique is the noninvasive delivery of molecules to the CNS via a peripheral injection.
Lab Page
Publications
Professional Background
Prior to joining BU, Dr. Farb was a Fogarty Senior International Fellow (1989 – 1990) with Sydney Brenner, PhD in the Molecular Genetics Unit at the Medical Research Council, Cambridge University, UK. Dr. Farb received his B.A. in Chemistry from Long Island University, where he was President of the American Chemical Society chapter and received honors including the American Institute of Chemists Award. He received the Ph.D. in Biochemistry (enzyme mechanisms/bioorganic chemistry) with William P. Jencks, M.D. at Brandeis University. After completing postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School in Pharmacology with Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D. and in Physiology with Susan E. Leeman, Ph.D., he became Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Farb was promoted to full professor with tenure, Head of the Molecular Pharmacology Research Program, and elected Presiding Officer of the Graduate School at SUNY. While in New York, Dr. Farb was elected Chair of the Section of Biological Sciences at the New York Academy of Sciences, where he subsequently founded the Section of Neuroscience. Dr. Farb has served as a consultant to large and small pharmaceutical companies, intellectual property law and portfolio investment firms. Dr. Farb was a member of the founding Scientific Advisory Boards of CoCensys and DOV Pharmaceuticals. He holds 9 issued U.S. patents, one patent issued in Australia, and one issued in Japan. Dr. Farb pioneered development of technology for high throughput electrophysiology and was the Scientific Founder of Scion Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Wyeth), which commercialized his patents on high throughput electrophysiology and small molecule modulators of amino acid receptors. High throughput electrophysiology is currently in use throughout the pharmaceutical industry for ion channel and receptor directed drug discovery.
As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Farb, in collaboration with Dr. Dennis W. Choi and Dr. Gerald D. Fischbach, co-discovered the cellular mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines—the class of anxiolytics, sedative hypnotics, and anticonvulsants that includes trade-name drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Versed. This research showed that benzodiazepines acted by positive allosteric modulation of the type-A GABA receptor (Nature (1977) 269: 342-344). Dr. Farb’s research program focused on the turnover and regulation of GABA receptor function (Science (1984) 226: 857) as a nexus for the control of nervous system function. Dr. Farb’s current research is directed toward the discovery and development of neuromodulators as therapeutic agents and on the structure, function, and cellular dynamics of ion channels and receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Ongoing studies are directed toward understanding the mechanisms of action of abused substances and steroid modulators and their interactions with excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors in the central nervous system (PNAS (1997) 94: 10450; Science Signaling (2000) 60: PE1; PNAS (2004) 101: 8198). Dr. Farb’s laboratory demonstrated that pregnanolone hemisuccinate inhibits reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior, and this compound has been selected by NIDA for preclinical development in its Medications Development Program. The laboratory has recently shown that picomolar concentrations of the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate modulate signal transduction pathways implicated in learning and memory function (Mol. Pharm. 2014 Oct;86(4):390-8.). The laboratory is currently using in vivo electrophysiology to investigate the how cognitive enhancers including modulate neural network activity in freely behaving rodent models of age related cognitive impairment (Hippocampus, 2015) and Alzheimer’s disease (Heliyon, 2021).
Recent News
- We are pleased to share the news that Dr. David H. Farb Professor and Chair is a recipient of the 2019 Wing Tat Lee Award
- Part I of Dr. Farb’s interview about the need for new targets, so drugs can selectively target triple-negative breast cancer with fewer side effects.
- Part II of Dr. Farb’s of interview about the need for new targets, so drugs can selectively target triple-negative breast cancer with fewer side effects.
- Dr. David Farb, Speaker for Tuesday, April 26, 2016 presentation for Embrace of the Serpent at the Coolidge Corner Theatre
- Neurophysiology Charges Ahead, Science 2015, David Farb, PhD
- Dr. Farb interviewed by Kristin Fawcett of US News & World Report Health on antidepressants
- Dr. Farb interviewed by Allison Eck of WGBH for NOVA NEXT on treatment of schizophrenia
- Dr. Farb appointed to the Board of Pharmacy’s Advisory Committee.
- Dr. Farb interviewed by Boston Herald on new LSD-like drug: N-Bomb Full article available here.
- Dr. Farb and colleagues uncover new possible approach for treating Schizophrenia
- Dr. Farb ‘s Postdoctoral Trainee led team of researchers who developed Tecfidera®
- Dr. Farb interviewed by The Boston Globe – There’s something about Molly
- Dr. David Farb interviewed for BU COM news segment – Use of drug ‘Molly’ increasing
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by BU Today – The Trouble with Molly
- An interview with David H Farb, Section Editor for Basic Pharmacology
- Neurochemical Traffic Signals May Open New Avenues for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Architecture of a Fruit Fly: New Clues for Reducing Electrical Surges in the Human Brain
- Dr. David H. Farb appointed to founding Scientific Advisory Board of Sage Therapeutics
- BUSM Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Pilot in University-wide Effort to Go Green
- Dr. David H. Farb helps a dyslexic mountaineer investigate his ancestor’s wartime exposure on BYUtv’s The Generations Project
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by WGBH – Abusing the ADD drug Adderall
- Dr. David Farb featured in BU Today – ‘Tis the Season To Be Anxious
- Dr. David Farb participates in BU Today’s Op-Heads: a virtual chat on the issues that matter “Adderall for an A-Plus?”
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by NPR about the Hughes Medical Institute’s funding of biomedical research.
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by NPR about biomedical funding
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by the BBC as a part of their “Visions of the Future” series
- Farb on Choi – Nature News
- Dr. David Farb is a winner of the 2006 Boston University Ignition Award
- Dr. David Farb – Content Reviewer for NOVA Science Now “Mirror Neurons”
- Dr. David Farb interviewed by ABC News ‘A Perfect Storm’ for Creating Drug Addicts
Patents
Modulation of receptor-mediated ion transport
May 18, 1993
Patent: 5,212,167
Inventors: Farb, David H.
Abstract
The subject application discloses methods for modulating NMDA-mediated ion transport, and inhibiting non-NMDA glutamate-induced ion transport, in neuronal cells. The methods involve contacting a neuronal cell with an effective amount of the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate, or pharmacologically effective derivatives thereof.
Modulation of receptor-mediated ion transport
November 22, 1994
Patent: 5,366,968
Inventors: Farb, David H.
Abstract
The subject application discloses methods for modulating NMDA-mediated ion transport, and inhibiting non-NMDA glutamate-induced ion transport, in neuronal cells. The methods involve contacting a neuronal cell with an effective amount of the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate, or pharmacologically effective derivatives thereof.
Inhibition of NMDA receptor activity and modulation of glutamate-mediated synaptic activity
March 30, 1999
Patent: 5,888,996
Inventors: Farb, David H.
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor-mediated ion channel activity (NMDA receptor activity), comprising contacting a neuronal cell (e.g., hippocampal neuron, spinal cord cell) with an effective amount (e.g., 1 to 500 mu.M) of a derivative of pregnenolone sulfate. Derivatives of pregnenolone sulfate that inhibit NMDA receptor activity include pregnenolone sulfate in which the A ring includes at least one double bond or is fully unsaturated, the double bond at the C5-C6 position is reduced, the moiety at the C3, C10, C11 or C13 position is modified, alone or in combination. It further relates to pregnenolone sulfate derivatives which have modifications at other positions (e.g., C5, C7, C10, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21), alone or in combination, and are inhibitors of NMDA receptor activity. The pregnenolone sulfate derivatives differ from pregnenolone sulfate at least one position. The present invention also relates to a method of modulating or altering (e.g., potentiating; inhibiting) excitatory glutamate-mediated synaptic activity comprising contacting neurons with pregnenolone sulfate and derivatives of pregnenolone sulfate.
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control
April 11, 2000
Patent: 6,048,722
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Yaghoubi; Nader; Gibbs; Terrell T.
Abstract
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusion device, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting device for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.
Neuron-specific transcriptional promoter
May 23, 2000
Patent: 6,066,726
Inventors: Farb, David H. (Cambridge, MA); Russek; Shelley J.
Abstract
The 5′-flanking region and core regulatory domains that underlie neuronal specific expression of the human .gamma.-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA.sub.A) receptor .beta.1 subunit gene are identified herein. Sequence analysis, mapping of transcriptional initiation sites, and transfection of reporter gene constructs into primary cultures demonstrate that neuronal and region specific activity resides in a TATA-less minimal promoter of 186 bp, comprising an initiator, the major transcriptional start site, a presumptive TFIID binding site, and an enhancer. Enhancer sequence contained within a 26 bp region at the 5′-end of the minimal promoter is essential for activity but not for tissue specificity. Moreover, .beta.1 promoter activity is subject to autologous inhibition, indicating that GABA-induced receptor mRNA downregulation results from an inhibition of gene transcription. Regulation of neurotransmitter receptor gene expression plays an important role in nervous system development and function, and impaired gene regulation may underlie the etiology of certain neurological diseases.
Inhibition of NMDA receptor activity by pregnenolone sulfate derivatives
July 4, 2000
Patent: 6,083,941
Inventors: Farb, David H.
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor-mediated ion channel activity (NMDA receptor activity), comprising contacting a neuronal cell (e.g., hippocampal neuron, spinal cord cell) with an effective amount (e.g., 1 to 500 mu M) of a derivative of pregnenolone sulfate. Derivatives of pregnenolone sulfate that inhibit NMDA receptor activity include pregnenolone sulfate derivatives in which the A ring includes at least one double bond; PS in which the A ring is fully unsaturated; PS derivatives in which the double bond at the C5-C6 position is reduced; and PS in which the moiety at the C3, C5, C6, C7, C11, C17, C20 and/or C21 position is modified. It further relates to PS derivatives which have modifications at other positions (e.g., C10, C10, C13, C18, C19), alone or in combination, and are inhibitors of NMDA receptor activity. The present invention also relates to a method of modulating or altering (e.g., potentiating; inhibiting) excitatory glutamate-mediated synaptic activity comprising contacting neurons with pregnenolone sulfate and derivatives of pregnenolone sulfate. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a disease associated with L-glutamate-induced NMDA receptor activation selected from the group consisting of: neuropathic pain, drug withdrawal/dependency, epilepsy, glaucoma, chronic neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety disorders, brain cell death, ischemia, stroke, trauma in a host comprising administering to the host an effective amount of a derivative of pregnenolone sulfate.
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control
July 31, 2001
Patent: 6,268,168
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Yaghoubi; Nader; Gibbs; Terrell T.
Abstract
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.
Methods for identifying a subunit specific modulator of N-methyl-D-asparate receptor
September 23, 2003
Patent: 6,623,933
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Yaghoubi, Nader; Russek, Shelley; Jang, Ming-Kuei; Gibbs, Terrell T.
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for identifying a subunit specific modulator of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The method involves providing a plurality of NMDA receptors which differ in their subunit identity. The receptors are contacted with a neurotransmitter recognition site ligand in the presence and absence of a candidate modulator. Receptor activity is then assayed, with an increase or decrease in activity in at least one, but not all members of the plurality of NMDA receptors, in the presence but not the absence of a candidate modulator, being an indication that the candidate modulator is a subunit specific modulator. The subunit identity of the subset of the NMDA receptors to determine the subunit specificity of the candidate modulator. Various combinations of NMDA receptor subunits are provided.
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control
July 13, 2004
Patent: 6,762,036
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Yaghoubi; Nader; Gibbs; Terrell T.
Abstract
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may
be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion syslatem is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.
Effect of steroids on NMDA receptors depends on subunit composition
July 7, 2005
Patent: AU 200070981
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Russek, Shelley J.; Jang, Ming-Kuei; Gibbs,
Terrell T.; Yaghoubi, Nader.
Effect of Steroids on NMDA Receptors Depends on Subunit Composition
March 11, 2009
Patent: EP 1 212 618 B1
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Russek, Shelley J.; Jang, Ming-Kuei; Gibbs,
Terrell; Yaghoubi, Nader.
Inhibition of NMDA Receptor Activity by Pregnenolone Sulfate Derivatives
May 22, 2009
Patent: Japan No. 4313435
Inventors: Farb, David H.
United States Patent Applications
(published since March 15, 2001)
Effect of steroids on NMDA receptors depends on subunit composition
October 14, 2004
20040204490 Kind Code A1
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Russek, Shelley;; Jang, Ming-Kuei; Gibbs, Terrell T.; Yaghoubi, Nader
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for identifying a subunit specific modulator of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The method involves providing a plurality of NMDA receptors which differ in their subunit identity. The receptors are contacted with a neurotransmitter recognition site ligand in the presence and absence of a candidate modulator. Receptor activity is then assayed, with an increase or decrease in activity in at least one, but not all members of the plurality of NMDA receptors, in the presence but not the absence of a candidate modulator, being an indication that the candidate modulator is a subunit specific modulator. The subunit identity of the subset of the NMDA receptors to determine the subunit specificity of the candidate modulator. Various combinations of NMDA receptor subunits are provided.
Neuroactive steroid derivatives and method of use
April 29, 2004
20040082554 Kind Code A1
Inventors: Farb, David H.; (Brookline, MA) ; Sadri-Vakili, Ghazaleh; (Boston, MA) ; Pierce, Robert Christopher; (Boston, MA) ; Johnson, David W; (Kennebunk, ME); Gibbs, Terrell T
Abstract
The invention relates to neuroactive steroid compounds that are useful in modulating CNS effects, diseases or disease symptoms. The invention also relates to use of the compounds in methods of treating or preventing disease or disease symptoms, and methods of modulating or mediating CNS effects or processes
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control
June 20, 2002
20020076689 Kind Code A1
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Yaghoubi, Nader; Gibbs, Terrell T
Abstract
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control
September 30, 2004
20040191853 Kind Code A1
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Gibbs, Terrell T.; Yaghoubi, Nader
Abstract
Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.
Patents Pending (excluding international phase of above issued patents)
A Neural Specific Cytosolic Sulfotransferase for Drug Screening (BU 00-29)
60/229,929
Inventors: Farb, David H.; Martin, Stella C.
Seizure -induced upregulation of the GABRA4 promoter identifies a condition-specific vector for the treatment of epilepsy.
BU04-03
Inventors: Russek, Shelley J; Brooks-Kayal, A; Farb, David H.
Current Laboratory Members
Senior Laboratory Members
Marcia H. Ratner, PhD, DABT, Assistant Professor and Laboratory Manager
Vidhya Kumaresan, PhD, Research Assistant Professor
Faculty Collaborators
Shelley J. Russek, MA, PhD, Professor or Pharmacology
Richard Wainford, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Weiming Xia, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology
Laboratory Alumni: Where They Are Now
Visiting Scholars
Yunlong Bai, Ph.D.– 2019
Wing Tat Lee Visiting Scholar
Position: Professor and Chair of Pharmacology, and Deputy Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Nariara Karim, Ph.D.– 2018
Fulbright Postdoctoral Visiting Scholar
Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Pakistan.
Pre-Doctoral Students
Kavitha Sugunan, Ph.D. – 2015
Thesis: Pregnenolone Sulfate as a Modulator of Synaptic Plasticity
Position: Clinical Operations Lead Manager, Biogen
Tara Stewart, Ph.D. – 2014
Thesis: A Systems Pharmacology Approach to Modulating Spatial Memory
Position: Associate Director, Pipeline Management, Plasma-Derived Therapies R&D at Takeda
Conor Smith, Ph.D. – 2014
Thesis: Non-Canonical Cell Signaling Actions of Pregnenolone Sulfate, A Neurosteroid that Increases Intracellular Calcium, Activates CREB Phosphorylation and Stimulates Trafficking of NMDA Receptors to the Surface of Neurons
Position: Technical Writer for Astellas Pharma US on behalf of PSC Biotech Corporation
Sophie Desbiens, Ph.D. – 2009 (BME)
Thesis: Therapeutic Agents for Cocaine Addiction: A Systems Pharmacology Approach.
Position: Director, New Product Commercialization, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Matthew Whitaker, Ph.D. – 2009
Thesis: Pregnenolone Sulfate Modulates Neurotransmitter Release from Isolated Neuron Terminals of the Rat Striatum
Position: Director, Toxicology at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Emmanuel Kostakis, M.A., Ph.D. – 2007
MA Thesis: Effect of Neurosteroids on NMDA Receptors Comprising Different Isoforms of the NMDA R1 Subunit
PhD Thesis: Dual Regulation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Function by Neuroactive Steroids
Position: Senior Project Manager – Global Value, Access & Policy – Strategic Planning & Operations at Amgen Zürich, Switzerland
Felicia Tsai, M.A. – 2004
Thesis: Examined the modulatory effects of neurosteroid (Pregnenolone sulfate) on neurotransmitter receptors (NMDA Receptors)
Position:Manager of Clinical Trials at AbbVie
Ming-Kuei Jang, Ph.D. – 2003
Thesis: Molecular Mechanisms for Pregnenolone Sulfate Modulation of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor
Position: Cofounder and CEO of Aprinoia Therapeutics.
Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili, Ph.D. – 2003
Thesis: Neurosteroids Modulate Ionotrophic Glutamate Receptor-Induced Dopamine Release and Locomotor Activity in Rats
Position: Associaate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
Janine L. Steiger, Ph.D. – 2003 (Co-Advisor)
Thesis: Regulation of GABA Receptor Gene Experssion in the CNS: A Role for CREB/ATF Transcription Factors and Effects of Prenatal Protein Malnutrition
Position: Scientific Consultant
Mio Kato, M.A. – 2001
Position: Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University
Garrick Lau, M.D./Ph.D. – 1999 (Co-Advisor)
Thesis:Transcriptional Regulation of the NMDA Receptor Subunit 1 Gene in Rat Neocortical Neurons by the Map Kinase and Cyclic AMP-Dependent Signaling Pathway
Position: Anesthesiologist, Walnut Creek Medical Center, Department of Anesthesia
Martin D. Leach, Ph.D. – 1998
Thesis: Isolation and Characterization of a Promotor for the Human GABA-A Receptor Alpha-1 Subunit Gene
Position:Vice President R&D IT, Global Quality IT and Human Experience IT at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Helen Lyons, Ph.D. – 1998
Thesis: Agonist-Induced GABA A Receptor Down-Regulation and Uncoupling in Neuronal Culture: Multiple Signal Transduction Pathways and a Role for Intracellular Calcium
Position: Research Scientist II, IDEXX
Pamela J. McLean, Ph.D. – 1998
Thesis: Regulation and Chromosomal Localization of GABA-A Receptor Alpha-Subunit Genes, GABRA6 and GABRA 4
Position: Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Senior Associate Consultant and PI , Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Charles E. Weaver Jr., M.D./Ph.D. – 1998
Thesis: Steroid Modulation of NMDA-Inducwed Death of Rat Hippocampal Neurons in Primary Cell Culture
Position: Neurosurgeon at Spectrum Neurosurgical Specialists, P.C.
Nader Yaghoubi, M.D./Ph.D. – 1998
Thesis: Modulation of Recombinant Glutamate Receptors of Neuroactive Steroids Studied Using an Automated Workstation for Oocyte Electrophysiology
Position: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pathmaker Neurosystems, Inc.
Mijeong Chung, Ph.D. – 1997
Thesis: Steroids as Functional Modulators of Amino Acids Receptors
Position: Senior Scientist, Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Taejon, Korea
Yan Tony Lee, M.A. – 1997
Thesis: Partial GABA A Agonists and the Testing of a Two-State Model of GABA A Receptor Modulatio
Position:
Diana Shpektor, M.A. – 1997
Thesis: Ethanol Modulation of GABA A Receptor Functoin Regulates Subunit-Specific Gene Expression
Position: Research Scientist III, at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research
Shelley J. Russek, M.A., Ph.D. – 1994
Thesis: Molecular Genetics of the GABA A Receptor: Structural Analysis and Autologus Regulation of the Beta Subunit Genes
Position: Professor of Pharmacology, BUSM, and Director, BU Graduate Program for Neuroscience
Dominic Roca, M.D./Ph.D. – 1990
Position: Pulmonologist
James Celentano, M.D./Ph.D. – 1987
Position: Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center
Daniel Mierlak, M.D./Ph.D. – 1987
Position: Psychiatrist
Cynthia Czajkowski, Ph.D. – 1987
Position: Vilas Distinguished Professor, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Laurence A. Borden, Ph.D. – 1985
Position: Scientific Advisor, Kaye, Scholer, FIerman, Hayes & Handler, LLP, New York, New York
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Rumani Singh, Ph.D. – 2015
Position:Research and Development Scientist, BOA Biomedical
Loren J. Martin, Ph.D. – 2009-2010
Position: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga
Jonathan Robitsek, Ph.D. – 2008-2013
Position: Research Director, Department of Surgery at Jamaica Hospital, New York City
Scott Downing, Ph.D. – 2005-
Position: Bioinformatics Research Scientist, Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine
Marcia H. Ratner, Ph.D., DABT – 2004-2007
Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine
Stella Martin, Ph.D. – 1997-2014
Position:
Sophie Desbiens, Ph.D. – 2009-2010
Position: Director, New Product Commercialization, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Dmytro Berezhnoy, Ph.D. – 2005-2009
Position: Chief Science Officer at Ogenx Therapeutics
Dario Dieguez, Ph.D. – 2006-2008
Position: Health Scientist Administrator, National Institutes of Health
Emmanuel Kostakis, M.A., Ph.D. – 2005-2008
Position: Global Project Manager – Operational Project Management, Merck Serono Geneva, Switzerland
Janine L. Steiger, Ph.D. – 2003-2006
Position: Director, Discovery Operations at Zalicus Incorporated
Hui Zhong, M.D./Ph.D. – 2001-2003
Position: Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia
Weimin Dai, M.D./Ph.D. – 1998
Position: General Manager, UT (Shanghai) Pharma
Shamol Saha, Ph.D. – 2000-2005
Position: Retired
Helen Lyons, Ph.D. – 1998-2001
Position: Research Scientist II, IDEXX
Valerie Itier, Ph.D. – 1997-1999
Position: Neurophysiologist, Université Paris-Est Créteil, CRRET
Andrew Malayev, Ph.D. – 1996-1999
Position:
Qiang Wang, Ph.D. – 1989-1992
Position: Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University
Lois Rabow, Ph.D. – 1989-1992
Position:
Fong-Sen Wu, Ph.D. – 1988-1992
Position: Associate Professor, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Linda K. Friedman, Ph.D. – 1988-1990
Position: Associate Professor, New Jersey Neuroscience Institute
Mark Farrant, Ph.D. – 1987-1989
Position: Professor of Neuroscience, University College London
Sue Yin, Ph.D. – 1986-1987
Position: Associate Professor, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Kenneth J. Rhodes, Ph.D. – 1986-1991
Position: Vice President, Rare Neurology & Discovery Biology, Pfizer
Laurence A. Borden, Ph.D. – 1985-1987
Position:
Thomas R. Tobin, Ph.D. – 1985-1986
Position:
Grant D. Schiller, Ph.D. – 1982-1986
Position:
Terrell T. Gibbs, Ph.D. – 1980-1982
Position: Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Boston University School of Medicine
Christopher Y. Chan, Ph.D. – 1980-1982
Position: Assistant Medical Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York