The Department of Neurosciences, an academic unit of The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the nervous system. The Neurosciences faculty consists of investigators with diverse backgrounds utilizing multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches in the study of nervous system development, function and disease.
Mechanisms of neural development including regulation of neurotransmitter gene expression, control of neurite outgrowth, structural plasticity, genetic and epigenetic factors in neurogenesis and neural stem cell function, and regeneration of the nervous system under normal and pathological conditions.
Electrophysiological and genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that encode long-term memories and the hijacking of these processes during postnatal developmental and adulthood by drugs of abuse. A focus on alcohol research includes the neurobiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. More information is available at the project web site.
Mechanisms of neuronal injury following central nervous system trauma and the development of therapies to minimize neuronal damage and cell death during ischemic, neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease states.
Molecular genetic, neurochemical and brain imaging approaches to the study of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and substance abuse.
The Department of Neurosciences is involved in active collaborative efforts with other UNM Health Sciences departments and centers, such as:Pediatrics, Neurology, Anesthesiology, Psychology, Psychiatry, the Mind Research Network, the Biomedical Research and Integrative NeuroImaging Center, and the Brain and Behavioral Health Institute.
