Maria H. Neff, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry

Contact Information
5072 Graves Hall
333 W. 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH  43210
PHONE: (614) 292-8608
FAX: (614) 292-7232
E-MAIL: neff.6@osu.edu

Link to NLM PubMed publications list for Maria H. Neff (last 10 years)

Research Area:

Neuropsychopharmacology; Neurochemistry; Neural Signaling; Neurodegeneration and Repair; CNS Pharmacogenomics; Addiction

Current Research:

Research is focused on understanding the cellular, molecular and genomic substrate(s) of CNS disorders and developing models for putative therapeutic intervention.  In addressing the scientific question a multifaceted approach is used that utilizes studies in whole animals, isolated brain structures, cell cultures, and artificial systems. 

1)  Investigation of signaling cascades used by neurotrophic factors to exert their neurorestorative/neuroprotective effects in the brain and spinal cord of aged animals, as well as in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease.

2)  Investigation of the role of endogenous opioids in nicotine addiction and withdrawal.

3)  Investigation of neural plastic responses and neuroadaptive mechanisms during nicotine withdrawal and sensitization.

4)  Investigation of the mechanism involved in the regulation of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, the enzyme responsible for converting L-DOPA to dopamine.

5)  Investigation of the action of psychostimulants on the lentovirus infection of neural cells.

6)  Investigation of genetic variations in patients with mental disorders and their relationship to treatment outcome and side effects.

Techniques:

• Molecular and Cellular: cell cultures; in situ systems such as brain slices or synaptosomes; analysis of neurotransmitter receptors and their coupling by receptor membrane binding or autoradiography, adenylyl cyclase, PI turnover, G proteins; analysis of transporters by membrane binding or autoradiography and direct transport studies; estimation of enzyme activity, protein and kinetics by enzyme assays, western blots, ELISA; neurotransmitter estimation by HPLC or RIA; investigation of signaling pathways by western blots, in vitro kinase assays, phosphorylation, im! munoprecipitation, TLC, EMSA; exploring gene expression with northern and southern blots, in situ hybridization, PCR, microarrays, etc.
• Behavioral: behavioral testing
• Other: whole animal treatments and development of animal models