Welcome to the Vollum Institute
The Vollum Institute is a privately endowed research institute at Oregon Health & Science University dedicated to basic research that will lead to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disease. Vollum scientists have broad-ranging interests that coalesce around molecular neurobiology and cellular physiology. Their work has transformed the field of neuroscience and, in particular, have provided important advances in the study of synaptic transmission, neuronal development, neurotransmitter transporters, ion channels and the neurobiology of disease.RECENT NEWS
Eric Gouaux, PhD, senior scientist at the Vollum Institute, is the recipient of the 2009 Medical Research Foundation Discovery Award for his significant contribution to understanding the structural biology of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters acting at chemical synapses. Dr. Gouaux's research combines structural information with functional approaches to provide profound insights into the biology of the glutamate receptor.
Learn more about Eric Gouaux's research
Joseph Thornton, PhD, associate professor at the University of Oregon and joint appointment with the Vollum, is the recipient of the MRF's Richard T. Jones New Investigator Award which recognizes a new investigator who shows exceptional promise early in a career in biomedical research.
Learn more about Joseph Thornton's research
Read the Medical Research Foundation press release
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
- Eric Gouaux's lab has determined the atomic resolution structure of an ATP-gated, P2X receptor, thus providing the first molecular 'blueprint' for this important class of ligand-gated ion channel.
- Gail Mandel's lab identified an unexpected glial cell contribution to the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome.
