Dustin W. DuBois, PhD
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Pre-Clerkship
Instructional Assistant Professor
Contact
Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics
8447 John Sharp Pkwy
2100 Medical Research and Education Building
Bryan,
TX
77807-3260
dubois@tamu.edu
Phone: 979.436.0327
Fax: 979.436.0086
Biography
My recent research interests have focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between a wide array of Neuropsychopharmacological agents and their respective receptors. My past research has focused on understanding 1.) the neuroteratogenic effects of ethanol on the GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmitter system, 2.) the chronic effects of ethanol on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in brain areas regulating anxiety-like behaviors, and 3) the effects of anesthetic agents on learning and memory mechanisms in the hippocampal region of the brain. My lab is also interested in understanding the impact of various pharmacological and environmental agents such as ethanol, benzodiazepines, pesticides, and chemical pollutants on central nervous system development.Education and Training
- University of Texas at Austin, BA
- Texas A&M University HSC, PhD
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Postdoctoral Fellow
- University of Wisconsin at Madison, Postdoctoral
Research Interests
- My recent research interests have focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between a wide array of Neuropsychopharmacological agents and their respective receptors. My past research has focused on understanding the neuroteratogenic effects of ethanol on the GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmitter system the chronic effects of ethanol on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in brain areas regulating anxiety-like behaviors the effects of anesthetic agents on learning and memory mechanisms in the hippocampal region of the brain I have utilized numerous types of electrophysiology in slice and isolated cell and tissue culture preparations from different brain areas to investigate alterations in receptor pharmacology and function. I have also utilized various molecular biological approaches such as gel electrophoresis, western immunoblotting, and single-cell RT-PCR to understand the contribution of gene and protein expression to these topics. Currently my research interests are focused on understanding the rapid, non-genomic effects of estrogen and how they impact the aging brain using electrophysiology and optogenetic techniques.; My lab is also interested in understanding the impact of various pharmacological and environmental agents such as ethanol, benzodiazepines, pesticides, and chemical pollutants on central nervous system development. These agents can have significant, lasting negative effects on brain development that can lead to severe mental and cognitive defects.