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MISSION STATEMENT


GOALS

To identify the receptors and networks underlying general anesthesia, as it pertains to the impact on cognition and to translate this knowledge into improvements in patient care.

In addition, we aim to identify new treatments for neurological and non-neurological disorders by targeting specific inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors. Our team first identified the unique pharmacological properties of “extrasynaptic” inhibitory receptors (GABAA receptors). Subsequent studies have elucidated the key roles that these receptors play in cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and pain, as well as in lung disorders such as asthma. These studies have led to a new field of investigating the roles of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in health and diseases, and the therapeutic potentials of these receptors.

SIGNIFICANCE

Given the broad use of general anesthesia and the serious consequences of adverse effects following general anesthesia, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of anesthetics and to develop strategies to reduce their adverse effects. Our research will provide new insights into these mechanisms, which may be translated into improved patient care.

Our program is also strongly committed to training high-quality research personnel and clinician-scientists who are interested in advancing peri- and post-operative medicine. We aspire to provide an excellent training environment. Our research program is collaborative and bridges many disciplines. We are proud of our trainees, both past and present, who have received many prestigious awards and scholarships and continue to push the boundaries of science. Many of our trainees have gone on to establish independent laboratories, pursue medical studies and establish themselves in the pharmaceutical industry.

“There is one thing even more vital to science than intelligent methods; and that is, the sincere desire to find out the truth, whatever it may be.”

Charles Sanders Peirce

KEYWORDS

Translational research, general anesthesia, inflammation, cognition, learning and memory, GABAA receptor, extrasynaptic