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Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illness through research DIVISION OF INTRAMURAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Staff Scientists and Clinicians David J. Sandstrom, Ph.D.   Dr. Sandstrom is a staff scientist under Dr. Howard Nash in the Section on Molecular Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the National Institute of Mental Health. He received a B.A. in animal physiology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Sandstrom's graduate and postdoctoral work focused on neural and genetic mechanisms through which steroid hormones and neuronal activity induce changes in the structure and function of nervous and muscular systems. Research Interests At NIMH, Dr. Sandstrom is using a combination of neurophysiology and genetics to elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying general anesthesia. Because traditional physiological and behavioral analyses have provided an incomplete picture of the molecular mechanisms of anesthetic action, the Section on Molecular Genetics is taking advantage of Drosophila genetics and genomics to uncover novel targets of volatile anesthetics. Complementing ongoing behavioral and molecular analyses, Dr. Sandstrom has developed electrophysiological methods to assess excitability, neurotransmitter release, and receptor sensitivity in the presence of anesthetics. He has shown that anesthetics robustly reduce excitability, and reduce neurotransmitter release as a consequence. Work is ongoing to determine the cellular mechanisms and behavioral roles of these effects. Dr. Sandstrom also consults on the development and execution of behavioral and electrophysiological projects in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Representative Selected Recent Publications: Sanyal, S., D.J Sandstrom, C.A. Hoeffer and M. Ramaswami : AP1 functions upstream of CREB to control plasticity in Drosophila. Nature, 416: 870-874, 2002 DeZazzo, J., D. Sandstrom, S. de Belle, K. Velinzon, P. Smith, M. DelVecchio, M. Ramaswami and T. Tully: (2000) nalyot, a mutation of the Myb-related ADF1 transcription factor, disrupts synapse formation and olfactory memory. Neuron, 27:147-158, 2000 Sandstrom, D.J. and L.L. Restifo :: Epidermal tendon cells require Broad Complex function for correct attachment of the indirect flight muscles in Drosophila melanogaster. J. Cell Sci., 112:4051-4065, 1999 Sandstrom, D.J., and J.C. Weeks: Segment-specific retention of a larval neuromuscular system and its role in a new, rhythmic, pupal motor pattern in Manduca sexta. J. Comp. Physiol. A, 183:283-302, 1998 Sandstrom, D. J., C. A. Bayer, J.W. Fristrom and L.L. Restifo. : Broad-Complex transcription factors regulate thoracic muscle attachment in Drosophila. Devl. Biol, 181:168-185, 1997. Address:   Phone:   Email: Fax:   Lab Web Site: No website available     Principal Investigators Scientists & Clinicians DIRP Labs and Branches DIRP Research Areas Staff Scientists/Clinicians Office of the Scientific Director Site Map Participate in Research Contact Us Careers in Research What’s New Functional MRI Core Magnetic Resonance Core Magnetoencephalography Core Microarray Core Non-Human Primate Core Scientific and Statistical Computing Core Transgenic Core Veterinary Medicine Resources (Staff only) Office of the Scientific Director Office of the Clinical Director Office of Fellowship Training Office of Technology Transfer Administrative Services Branch Administrative Services

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The Division of Intramural Research Programs is within the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a part the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.