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Basic Science Research Administration, POD 3

P. Jeffrey Conn, Ph.D.

Director, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Lee Limbird Chair in Pharmacology

The primary focus of research in our laboratory is to develop a detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which transient activation of neurotransmitter receptors can induce long lasting changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.  Such lasting changes in neuronal function are likely to play an important role in a number of normal physiological processes, ranging from acute regulation of animal behavior to more lasting processes such as formation of long-term memory.  In addition, these persistent changes are critical for development of a variety of chronic pathological conditions including, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, drug dependence and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.