| Staff Scientists and Clinicians
David J. Sandstrom,
Ph.D. |
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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.
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