Neuropharmacology Program
Overview
This program supports research aimed at understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of psychotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo and identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of mental disorders. Supported research includes studies of the regulation of CNS receptors, transporters, ion channels, neuropeptides, and neuromodulators; investigations into sites and mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and effects of psychoactive agents in the brain and other biological systems; and studies on the action of chronic psychoactive drugs on gene expression and function.
Areas of Emphasis
- Identifying novel targets for drug discovery using techniques for studying signaling pathways such as gene expression profiling, proteomics, and chemical genetics.
- Developing pharmacological tools for studying the biology of novel gene targets implicated in the pathophysiology of mental disorders.
- Understanding the mechanisms that regulate receptor oligomerization and its consequences for receptor activation and signaling.
Contact
Laurie S. Nadler, Ph.D.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard, 7184, MSC 9641
301-443-5288, lnadler@mail.nih.gov
