Aaron Janowsky, Ph.D.
Positions
Director, The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center
Professor, Dept of Psychiatry
Professor, Dept of Behavioral Neuroscience
V.A. Research Career Scientist
Contact
Research Interests
Neurotransmitter transporter function and regulation, G-protein coupled receptors and receptor regulation, signal transduction systems. Neuropsychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, addiction, methamphetamine, cocaine, pharmacotherapy development.
Preceptor Rotation/Mentorship Availability
Dr. Janowsky might be available for preceptor rotation for upcoming academic terms.
Dr. Janowsky might be available for mentorship for the 2012/13 academic year.
Please contact him directly to inquire.
Summary of Current Research
My laboratory is involved in characterizing drug interactions with neurotransmitter transporters and receptors. A major goal is to identify potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders including Parkinson's disease, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, and schizophrenia. Methods we use include determining the effects of drugs on radioligand binding to, on neurotransmitter uptake and release by cells expressing cloned DNA for the respective human transporters, and on receptor activation and second messenger system function.
In addition, we are characterizing recently-discovered receptor/second messenger systems that may play a role in the development of symptoms of potential subtypes of schizophrenia, as well as the role of exogenous substances on disease development . Alteration of these systems may serve as medical, as opposed to behavioral, diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s).
Recent Publications
Meltzer, P.C., Kryatova, O., Pham-Huu, D.P., Donovan, P., Janowsky, A. The synthesis of bivalent 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-8-heterobicyclo[3.2.1]octanes as probes for proximal binding sites on the dopamine and serotonin transporters. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 16, 1832-41 (2008)
Wilhelm, C.J., Johnson R.A., Eshleman, A.J., and Janowsky, A. Lobeline effects on tonic and methamphetamine-induced dopamine release. Biochem. Pharmacol. 75:1411-5 (2008)
Cashman JR, Voelker T, Johnson R, Janowsky A. Stereoselective inhibition of serotonin re-uptake and phosphodiesterase by dual inhibitors as potential agents for depression. Bioorg Med Chem. 17(1):337-43 (2009).
Kelly, JX, Smilkstein, MJ, Brun, R, Wittlin, S, Cooper, RA, Lane, KD, Janowsky, A, Johnson, RA, Dodean, RA, Winter, R, Hinrichs, DJ, and Riscoe, MK,, 2009, Discovery of a Novel Antimalarial Chemotype: Dual-function Acridone Derivatives. Nature 459:270-3 (2009).
Wheeler JM, Reed C, Burkhart-Kasch S, Li N, Cunningham CL, Janowsky A, Franken FH, Wiren KM, Hashimoto JG, Scibelli AC, Phillips TJ, Genetically correlated effects of selective breeding for high and low methamphetamine consumption. Genes Brain Behavior, 8:758-71 (2009).
Also see Dr. Janowsky's PubMed Listing
Education
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 1982
