Malcolm M. Slaughter PhD

Malcolm Slaughter

Malcolm M. Slaughter
PhD


Professional Summary:

The laboratory seeks to understand information processing in the retina, a model for neural network analysis. Studies focus on the events that occur at synapses, with a particular emphasis on neurotransmitter-receptor interactions. Not only the neurotransmitter type but also the properties of receptor subtypes determines how neurons communicate. Our experiments investigate this linkage using electrophysiological, molecular and cell-imaging techniques. Subjects of current interest are:
1) synaptic communication by metabotropic receptors
2) properties of glycine receptors in retina and in expression systems;
3) acetylcholine-based signal transmission;
4) image-based analysis of retinal function.
There is also a clinical application to the electroretinogram, a tool used by ophthalmologists to evaluate the health of the retina. We are able to use our knowledge of complex retinal circuits to improve the analytical potential of the electroretinogram. Transmitter-receptor interactions also form the basis for many pharmaceutical agents used to treat neurological problems. Therefore our retinal studies apply to the broad area of medicinal pharmacology.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Postdoctoral fellowship, Washington University (1983)
  • PhD, Physiology, Fordham University (1977)

Employment:

  • Director of Graduate Studies, Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1998–2022)
  • Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1997–2022)
  • Director, Neuroscience Program, Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (2001–2017)
  • Associate Professor, Physiology, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1994–1996)
  • Associate Professor, Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1989–1996)
  • Assistant Professor, Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1987–1988)
  • Research Assistant Professor, Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1984–1987)

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • January 2010–January 2014
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • September 2010–August 2013
    Synaptic Mechanisms in Retina
    National Eye Institute
    Role: Contributor
    $1,139,946
  • January 2005–January 2011
    UB Vision
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2005–January 2009
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2003–January 2009
    Retinal Inhibitory Glycine Receptors
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2000–January 2004
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1996–January 1999
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1992–January 1995
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1987–January 1991
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1984–January 1986
    Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina
    NEI
    Role: Principal Investigator

Journal Articles:

See all (48 more)

Service Activities:

  • Member of Physiology Graduate Admissions; Physiology Graduate Program advisor (2020–2022)
  • Faculty Council of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Dept representative (2019–2022)
  • Vision Research Journal (2004–2007)
  • ; FASEB Program Director (2002–2006)
  • ; Visual Neuroscience Journal (1996–2000)
  • ; Study Section member (1995–1998)
  • ; NIH Study Section, ad hoc (1985–1994)
  • Oversee Biophysics Graduate Program; Director of Graduate Studies in Biophysics

School News:

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Clinical Specialties:

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Insurance Accepted:



Contact Information

555 Biomedical Research Building
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: (716) 829-3240
mslaught@buffalo.edu