Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute
Showing 31-40 of 41 Results
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Anthony G. Doufas, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine (MSD)
On Leave from 2026-09-01 To 2026-09-30Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research focuses on the relationship between sleep abnormalities and pain behavior and opioid pharmacology in the postoperative, as well as chronic pain setting. More specifically, I am interested in delineating the effect of the different components of sleep-diosordered breathing, like nocturnal recurrent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation on pain behavior in the acute and/or chronic care setting.
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Ron Dror
Cheriton Family Professor and Professor, by courtesy, of Structural Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Physiology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy lab’s research focuses on computational biology, with an emphasis on 3D molecular structure. We combine two approaches: (1) Bottom-up: given the basic physics governing atomic interactions, use simulations to predict molecular behavior; (2) Top-down: given experimental data, use machine learning to predict molecular structures and properties. We collaborate closely with experimentalists and apply our methods to the discovery of safer, more effective drugs.
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David Drover
Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine (MSD), Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsField of clinical pharmacology. This involves analysis of what the body does to a drug (pharmacokinetics) and how exactly a specific drug affects the body (pharmacodynamics). His research starts at the level of new drug development with detailed analysis of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a medication.
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Shaul Druckmann
Associate Professor of Neurobiology, of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and, by courtesy, of Electrical Engineering
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur research goal is to understand how dynamics in neuronal circuits relate and constrain the representation of information and computations upon it. We adopt three synergistic strategies: First, we analyze neural circuit population recordings to better understand the relation between neural dynamics and behavior, Second, we theoretically explore the types of dynamics that could be associated with particular network computations. Third, we analyze the structural properties of neural circuits.
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Justin Du Bois
Henry Dreyfus Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
BioThe Du Bois lab is heavily invested in exploring voltage-gated ion channel function and physiology and the underlying role of specific channels in human pathologies, particularly nociception, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. With expertise in chemical synthesis, we have access to a collection of exceptional natural products—tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, gonyautoxin, batrachotoxin, veratridine, antillatoxin, to name a few—that act as selective modulators of sodium ion channels (NaVs). In addition, we have developed novel molecules as inhibitors and agonists of specific voltage-gated chloride (ClCs) and calcium (CaVs) channel isoforms. As a lab, we are uniquely positioned to advance high-precision chemical tools to interrogate underlying biochemical mechanisms of electrogenesis. Our work in this arena is guided by a number of questions related to the basic functioning of voltage-gated channels in neuronal cells and glia that include: 1) what is the rate at which channels are being made and degraded and is the rate of channel turnover context dependent (i.e., is protein turnover affected by increased neuronal activity, nerve cell damage, etc.); 2) to what extent is channel expression and cellular distribution affected by external factors (pH, inflammatory modulators, injury); 3) how do post-translational protein modifications influence channel function and how are such modifications altered in response to external factors; 4) how do neighboring glia influence channel expression and ion gating. Answers to these types of questions will provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which neuronal cells and tissue respond to external stimuli, stress, and injury. We benefit from the strong interest of others in our work and multiple collaborators at Stanford and at other institutions.
Ion channel function and physiology. We wish to understand the role of individual subtypes of voltage-gated sodium, chloride, and calcium channels in neuronal signaling and how structural changes (i.e., point mutations, post-translational modifications, partner proteins) alter channel function. Our interests include the design, development, and application of chemogenetic technologies for targeting individual channel subtypes and allosteric modulators of select channel isoforms. Our work aims to inform efforts in translational research, as voltage-gated ion channel dysregulation and malfunction underlie a wide range of human diseases and disorders.
Natural products synthesis. We are interested in developing efficient and flexible synthetic routes to natural products that serve as ‘lead’ compounds for advancing high precision pharmacological tools. Most of the targets we are interested in obtaining are not available in sufficient quantities from natural sources, thus necessitating de novo preparation. To streamline the assembly process of these complex molecules, we are challenged to develop, in parallel, new tactics and chemical methods that facilitate C–C, C–N, and C–O bond formation.
Toxin ‘sponge’ proteins. A longstanding collaboration with the Minor lab at UCSF has focused on understanding how certain organisms that ingest dietary toxins such as saxitoxin, tetrodotoxin, and batrachotoxin survive their poisonous effects. This work has resulted in the elucidation of the structures of novel paralytic shellfish-binding proteins (so-called saxiphilins) and the toxin ‘binding code’. Studies are ongoing to integrate saxiphilins into a diagnostic device for measuring toxin concentrations in shellfish and to advance an engineered toxin-binding protein as a countermeasure for paralytic shellfish poisoning. -
Alfredo Dubra, PhD
Professor of Ophthalmology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur lab seeks to help the early diagnosing and monitoring progression of ocular, vascular, neurodegenerative and systemic diseases through novel non-invasive optical ophthalmic imaging. We pursue this goal through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates optics, computer science, vision science, electrical engineering and other engineering disciplines.
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Laramie Duncan
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Major Laboratories and Clinical Translational Neurosciences Incubator)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur work is at the intersection of statistical genetics, psychiatry, and neuroscience. We use massive datasets and primarily computational approaches to identify mechanisms contributing to mental health problems like schizophrenia and depression. The overall goal of the lab is to discover fundamental information about psychiatric disorders, and ultimately to build more effective approaches to classification, prevention, and treatment.
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Alexander Dunn
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy lab is deeply interested in uncovering the physical principles that underlie the construction of complex, multicellular animal life.
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James Dunn
Professor of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsIntestinal lengthening for short bowel syndrome
Intestinal stem cell therapy for intestinal failure
Skin derived precursor cell therapy for enteric neuromuscular dysfunction
Intestinal tissue engineering -
Jeffrey Dunn, MD
Clinical Professor, Adult Neurology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsTranslational research in the human application of emerging immunotherapies for neurological disease, focusing on Multiple Sclerosis, CIS, transverse myelitis and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). Collaborative research with Stanford and extramural scientific faculty to identify biomarkers of disease activity and treatment response in humans. Clinical trials to assess efficacy of emerging treatments for MS, CIS and NMO.
