Malcolm M. Slaughter PhD

Malcolm Slaughter

Malcolm M. Slaughter
PhD

Professor

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Contact Information
555 Biomedical Research Building
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: (716) 829-3240
mslaught@buffalo.edu
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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

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

Employment:
  • Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1997-present)
  • Director of Graduate Studies, Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine (1998–2022)
  • 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)

Awards and Honors:
  • UB Exceptional Scholar Award (2003)
  • Boycott Prize (2002)

Research Expertise:
  • Retinal Neuroscience: Analysis of synaptic function in retina

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 (50 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Slaughter, MM. (2024) Metabotropic Receptors in the Retina. In: Encyclopedia of the Eye, 2nd Edition. Elsevier
  • Slaughter, MM. (2024) Glutamate receptors. In: Encyclopedia of the Eye, 2nd Edition. Elsevier
  • Slaughter MM. (2002) "Basic Concepts in Neuroscience, A Student's Survival Guide". McGraw-Hill.

Presentations:
  • "Glycine receptor function in vision" Great Lakes Vision Research Conference (2009)
  • "International Congress of Eye Research" International Congress of Eye Research (2008)
  • "International Retinal Symposium" Symposium, Western China Medical School (2008)
  • "GABA Receptor Control of Visual Pathways in Retina" Distinguished Scientist Series (2007)
  • "Metabotropic receptor regulation of the synapse" Rich Lecture Series (2000)
  • "The metabotropic GABA receptor" New York Academy of Sciences (1999)
  • "Retinal GABA receptor diversity" Basic and Clinical Perspectives in Vision Research (1993)
  • "Desegregation: Bussing of signals through the retinal network" NATO Conference (1988)
  • "The pharmacology of transient and sustained responses in the proximal retina" Tenth Taniguchi Conference (1987)

Service Activities:
  • Member of Physiology Graduate Admissions; Physiology Graduate Program advisor (2020–present)
  • Faculty Council of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Dept representative (2019–present)
  • Vision Research Journal (2004–2007)
  • FASEB Program Director; FASEB Program Director (2002–2006)
  • Visual Neuroscience Editorial board; Visual Neuroscience Journal (1996–2000)
  • NIH Grant Reviewer; Study Section member (1995–2002)
  • ARVO Program Director; Program Director (1995–1997)
  • Biophysics Graduate Program; Member of Graduate Program in Biophysics

School News:

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Clinical Offices:

Insurance Accepted:

Contact Information

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