The MIRI welcomes Dr. Emmanuel Pothos, Associate Professor of Immunology at TUSM, as its newest Associate PI. All Associate PIs have active, funded research programs that synergize with MIRI priorities for improving maternal and child health outcomes, and are actively collaborating with MIRI PIs.
Dr. Pothos's laboratory studies cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic neurotransmission in the midbrain and its catecholaminergic projections because of its interest in the neurochemistry and molecular biology of catecholamine-related disorders. The current focus of his lab is on the study of the plasticity of CNS catecholamine quantal size as it relates to normal function and the pathogenesis, development and symptoms of feeding/body weight disorders (like dietary obesity), drug addiction, psychotic disorders and movement disorders (like Parkinson's disease). Contrary to previous dogmas, quantal size (the amount of neurotransmitter released per vesicle during exocytosis) is not invariant in CNS catecholamine systems and offers us the opportunity to pharmacologically intervene at the presynaptic level in order to block or inhibit a catecholamine-related abnormality.
The MIRI is excited to have Dr. Pothos share his science, future collaborative proposals, and representation of the MIRI's mission!
