1021 Main Street Clinical Research Institute on Addictions Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Jacobs Schhol of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universi Buffalo, NY 14203 Phone: (716) 881-7520 Fax: 716-881-7520 thanos@buffalo.edu
Research in my laboratory is focused upon distinct projects in the fields of Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging of Addiction and Substance Abuse. Our research is based on the notion that there are specific genetic and epigenetic vulnerabilities that significantly contribute to Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) of which addiction is a part of. My lab utilizes molecular, behavioral, and imaging (Positron Emission Tomography, MRI, CT, Autoradiograpjy) methods in animal models as well as how these models contribute to clinical data as part of several ongoing clinical translational studies.
Education and Training:
Fellowship, Neuroscience and Neuroimaging of Drug Addiction, SUNY Stony Brook University (2000)
PhD, Biomedical Sciences / Neuroscience, Eastern Virginia Medical School / Old Dominion Unversity (1997)
MA, Biological Psychology, American University (1993)
BS, Psychology, Queen's University (1990)
Employment:
Senior Research Scientist, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychology, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo
Awards and Honors:
Investigator Travel Award, RDS (2015)
Investigator Travel Award, Imaging of Alcoholism. NIAAA (2006)
US Department of Energy Science Mentor Award (2003)
PSA Investigator Scholarship Award (1996)
The Ralph D. Millard, M.D. Investigator Award. (1995)
PSA Investigator Scholarship Award (1994)
Massey Foundation Award
Research Expertise:
Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging of Addiction: Dr. Thanos’ current research includes five major areas: (1) human and animal models to study the underlying genetic and neural mechanisms of increased vulnerability to alcohol abuse after bariatric surgery; (2) determining the chronic effects of methylphenidate on skeletal development and brain function, behavior (3) dissection of the role of Fatty Acid Binding Proteins on endocannabinoid signaling and function on addiction. (4) Role of exercise on molecular markers of addiction and interaction with genetics. (5) Biomarkers of prenatal exposure to nicotine and cannabis.
Grants and Sponsored Research:
October 2018–September 2023 Prenatal Tobacco and Cannabis Exposure: A Translational Study NIDA Role: Co-Principal Investigator $690,000
March 2018–March 2020 Fatty Acid Binding Protein - Mediated Control of Endocannabinoid Signaling and Drug Addiction NIDA Role: Co-Principal Investigator $250,000
September 2018–August 2019 Gastric Bypass, Brain Activity NY Research Foundation Role: Principal Investigator $30,000
February 2012–February 2019 Skeletal Effects of Methylphenidate NICHD Role: Co-Investigator $440,000
January 2016–January 2019 Increased Vulnerability to alcohol abuse after gastric bypass: Neural mechanisms NIAAA Role: Principal Investigator $250,000
June 2014–May 2018 Combined Cocaine and HIV Vaccine NIDA Role: Co-Investigator $163,300
July 2013–July 2015 The Dopamine Reward Circuit Activation Similarities between Food and Addiction SUNYProvost Role: Principal Investigator $264,000
Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Admissions; Member (2018)
Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Curriculum; Coordinator (2017)
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Contact Information
1021 Main Street Clinical Research Institute on Addictions Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Jacobs Schhol of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universi Buffalo, NY 14203 Phone: (716) 881-7520 Fax: 716-881-7520 thanos@buffalo.edu