My lab‘s research seeks to understand the mechanism of action of the hormone melatonin at the MT1 and MT2 G-protein coupled receptors. We study these receptors in the brain and through the body with the goal of identifying ligands that exhibit useful binding affinity and therapeutic potential. Our team of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians and senior scientists work with each other and with expert co-investigators in medicinal chemistry to discover and develop novel molecules that can mimic or counteract the actions of melatonin. These molecules may help treat a variety of diseases and conditions including insomnia, circadian sleep disorders, depression, seasonal affective disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
Our laboratory pursues these investigations from several angles. We assess the localization of the melatonin receptors, examine their cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms,and investigate receptor fate following prolonged exposure to melatonin. We study the distinct roles of selective MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor ligands in modulating circadian rhythms, methamphetamine‘s ability to induce both sensitization to prolonged exposure, and stimulation of the reward system. We also study cell proliferation, survival, and neurogenesis in the brain, and the changes in gene expression underlying all these processes.
Our research ultimately aims to discover novel drugs with differential actions at the MT1 and MT2 receptors. We use molecular-based drug design, computer modeling and medicinal chemistry to design and synthesize small molecules that target these receptors as agonists, inverse agonists and/or antagonists. We then pharmacologically and functionally characterize these molecules using cell-based assays and bioassays and test them in circadian and behavioral animal models.
Education and Training:
PhD, Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires School of Chemistry and Natural Sciences (1976)
BS, Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires School of Chemistry and Natural Sciences (1971)
Employment:
Co-Director, Institute for Strategic Enhancement of Eduicational Diversity (iSEED) (2013-present)
Inaugural Senior Associate Dean, Office of Inclusion and Cultural Enhancement, University at Buffalo (2012-present)
Program Director, The Collaborative Learning and Integrated Mentoring in the Biosciences Program at UB (2009-present)
Program Director, The CLIMB UP (Undergraduate Program) for Summer Research at UB (2009-present)
Program Director, The CLIMB NS (Next Step) for Postdoctoral Fellows at UB (2009-present)
Professor Emeritus, Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2008-present)
Director, CTSA Workforce Development Core, Clinical and Translational Science Award, University at Buffalo, Clinical and Translational Science Award (2015-present)
Principal Investigator and Program Lead, Clinical and Translational Science Award, KL2 Mentored Career Development Award, Clinical and Translational Science Award, University at Buffalo (2015-present)
Professor and Chair, University at Buffalo (2008–2016)
Education and Diversity Director, National Science Foundation BioXFEL Science and Technology Center (2013–2014)
Program Director, The Collaborative Learning and Integrated Mentoring in the Biosciences Program at Northwestern (2007–2008)
Adjunct Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (1999–2008)
Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (1991–2008)
Associate Professor, Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (1986–1991)
Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (1982–1986)
Visiting Professor, Pharmacology, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain (1983)
Research Associate Professor, Pharmacology, University of Colorado Health Science Center (1980–1982)
Project Leader, Biology, Synthelabo, France (1977–1980)
Pharmacologist, Pharmacology, Wellcome Research Laboratories, United Kingdom (1976–1977)
Instructor, Pharmacology, Buenos Aires University, School of Medicine, Argentina (1973–1976)
Research Fellow, National Research Council, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacologicas, Argentina (1972–1976)
Instructor, Biochemistry, Buenos Aires University, School of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, Argentina (1971–1972)
Teaching Assistant, Organic Chemistry, Buenos Aires University, School of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, Argentina (1970–1971)
Neuropharmacology: Cellular, molecular and behavioral neuropharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors
Grants and Sponsored Research:
March 2017–December 2021 Enabling Access To Cutting-Edge Biomedical And Behavioral Science NIH Role: Principal Investigator $2,117,911
January 2016–January 2020 Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) National Institutes of Health Role: Principal Investigator $16,000,000
August 2015–March 2019 Clinical and Translational Science Award: Mentored Career Development Award (KL2) NCATS Role: Principal Investigator $1,818,928
August 2015–March 2019 Clinical and Translational Science Award: Buffalo Clinical and Translational Research Center NCATS Role: Co-Investigator $13,151,902
May 2016–August 2018 Zannoni Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Role: Principal Investigator $27,000
July 2016–June 2017 SUNY Explorations in Diversity and Academic Excellence Award SUNY Role: Principal Investigator $10,000
July 2014–June 2016 Environmental Circadian Disruptors Increase Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Risk National Institutes of Health Role: Principal Investigator $437,342
June 2013–May 2016 iSEED – Institute of Strategic Enhancement of Educational Diversity UB Office of the Provost-3E Fund Role: Co-Principal Investigator
June 2013–August 2015 Zannoni Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Role: Principal Investigator $27,000
September 2013–August 2014 National Science Foundation – Science and Technology Center (STC) Biology with X-ray Free Electron Lasers (BioXFEL) National Science Foundation Role: Co-Investigator
July 2007–September 2013 Modulation of Methamphetamine Action in the CNS NIH/NIDA Role: Principal Investigator $1,000,000
June 2010–August 2012 Zannoni Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Role: Principal Investigator $27,000
April 2004–March 2011 Modulatory Role of Melatonin in CNS Function NIH/NIMH Role: Principal Investigator $1,000,000
December 2001–November 2008 Melatonin Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Primates NIH/NIMH Role: Principal Investigator $1,125,000
August 2006–August 2008 Regulation of MT1 and MT2 Melatonin Receptor Functional Sensitivity By Therapeutic Concentrations Of Rozerem Takeda Pharmaceuticals Role: Principal Investigator $221,000
HUTCHINSON, A., HUDSON, R.L., DUBOCOVICH, M.L.. Methamphetamine-induced development and expression of locomotor sensitization is differentially modulated by the MT1 and/or MT2 melatonin receptors in C3H/HeN mice during the light and dark phases. Journal of Pineal Research. 2012.
Dubocovich ML, Delagrange P., Krause D.N., Sugden D., Cardinali D.P., Olcese J.. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXV. Nomenclature, Classification, and Pharmacology of G Protein-Coupled Melatonin Receptors. Pharmacological Reviews. 2010; 62.
Western New York ASPET Chapter; President (2010–present)
Professional Development Committee, Society for Neuroscience.; Committee Member (2009–present)
Diversity In Neuroscience (DIN) Committee, Society for Neuroscience; Committee Member (2008–2009)
Division for Neuropharmacology of ASPET; Secretary/Treasurer (2006–2010)
ASPET Committee on Minorities Affairs; Past President (2005–2006)
Great Lakes Chapter ASPET; Committee Member (2005–2007)
Biological Rhythms and Sleep Study Section; Member (2003–2004)
ASPET Committee on Minorities Affairs; Chair (2002–2005)
Division of Pharmacology Education of ASPET; Executive Board (2001–2005)
Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience 3 (IFCN-3) Study Section; Member (2000–2003)
IUPHAR Subcommittee for Melatonin Receptor Nomenclature and Classification; Chair (1995–present)
NIMH Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology Review Committee (NIH); Member (1992–1996)
Various Insitutes; Northwestern University Neuroscience Institute, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, The Asher Center for the Study & Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Center for Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology, Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology; Participant (1989–2008)
Doctoral Fellowships in Biol. Science, Review Panel, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Reviewer (1989–1992)
Grants-In-Aid Review Committee, American Heart Association, Chicago; Member (1988)
Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience; Councilor, Secretary Treasurer, Treasurer, President Elect, President, Past President (1985–1996)
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Contact Information
101A Farber Hall; 35 Biomedical Education Building
