Randall Hudson PhD

Randall Hudson

Randall Hudson
PhD

Research Professor Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Contact Information
121 Farber Hall
3435 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: (716) 829-2738
rlhudson@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

My research interests focus on the role of specific melatonin receptors in setting the circadian rhythm of neuronal firing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We use the brain slice preparation and electrophysiological techniques to monitor neuronal firing over a circadian cycle. This work is possible because of the generation of strains of mice with specific genetic deletions of either the MT1 or/and MT2 melatonin receptors. We are developing strains of mice that will have each melatonin receptor fluorescently tagged, thus permitting patch clamp studies of a neuron endowed with a specific melatonin receptor.

Currently, the project seeks to identify environmental chemicals that differentially modulate melatonin receptor signaling in target tissues, which may disturb the intricate balance by MT1 and MT2 mediated processes leading to disruption of circadian rhythms and metabolic functions leading to increased risk of diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders. We have identified the first examples (e.g., carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides, phthalates) of environmental melatonergic circadian disruptors (EMCD) targeting G protein-coupled melatonin receptors with in-vivo efficacy on circadian (chronobiological) behavioral responses in mice. Disruption of melatonin receptor signaling processes has the potential to disturb the rhythmic control and homeostasis of various circadian dependent physiological processes affecting behavioral, neurological, cognitive, and metabolic outputs modulated by brain (SCN) and peripheral clocks. The goal is to provide rational to further assess circadian rhythm risk factors to environmental chemical exposure and to develop guidelines and/or strategies for the use of selective interventions (e.g., light, melatonin) known to maintain circadian entrainment when delivered at the appropriate time.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Physiology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston (1987)
  • PhD, Physiology, Washington State University (1980)
  • MA, Biology, Humboldt State University (1975)
  • BA, Zoology, Humboldt State University (1974)

Employment:

  • Research Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo (2008-present)
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2004–2008)
  • Associate Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago (1994–2008)
  • Assistant Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago (1987–1994)


Journal Articles:

See all (16 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • GLATFELTER, G,C., SOSA, J., HUDSON, R.L., DUBOCOVICH, M.L. (2022) Methods to Assess Melatonin-Receptor Mediated Phase-shift and Re-Entrainment of Rhythmic Behaviors in Mouse Models. In: Melatonin: Methods in Molecular Biology. Springer
  • Schultz, S.G. and R.L. Hudson. (1991) Biology of sodium-absorbing epithelial cells: The dawning of a new era. In: Handbook of Physiology. , 45-82.
  • Schultz, S.G., R.L. Hudson and J.-Y. Lapointe. (1984) Electrophysiological studies of sodium cotransport in epithelia: Toward a cellular model. In: Membrane Transport Driven by Ion Gradients. New York Acad. Sci., 127-135.

Service Activities:

  • Respiration Lectures; Teaching (2014–present)
  • PGY 451 GI Lectures; Teaching (2012–present)
  • PGY502 Human Physiology for Dental Students; Teaching (2012–2014)
  • PGY 452 Respiration; Teaching (2012–present)
  • PMY302 Pharmacology Renal Physiology and Diuretics; Teaching (2011–2014)
  • PGY 300 Human Physiology; Course Director (2009–present)
  • PGY 300 GI Lecutres; Teaching (2009–2011)
  • PGY405/505 Cell and Molecular Physiology; Teaching (2009–2011)
  • PGY 300 Renal Lectures; Teaching (2008–present)
  • NRS521 Neuroscience Introduction II Sleep/Chronobiology; Teaching (2008–2014)

School News:

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Clinical Specialties:

Clinical Offices:

Insurance Accepted:



Contact Information

121 Farber Hall
3435 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: (716) 829-2738
rlhudson@buffalo.edu