Samir Haj-Dahmane PhD
Samir Haj-Dahmane
PhD
Professor
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Autism; Behavioral Neuroscience; Brain Research; Drug Abuse; Electrophysiology; Ethanol Pharmacology; Imaging In Vivo; Ion channel kinetics and structure; Lipid Homeostasis; Membrane Transport (Ion Transport); Molecular and Cellular Biology; Neurobiology; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Neuropharmacology; Neuropsychiatric Disorders; Neuroscience; Signal Transduction
Professional Summary:
Synaptic transmission is a fundamental mechanism of neuronal communication and information processing in the brain. My Laboratory is interested in delineating the mechanisms by which G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), including endocannabinoid (eCB), serotonin (5-HT) and neuropeptide receptors control synaptic transmission and plasticity in monoaminergic (i.e. serotonin and dopanine) neurons and claustro-cortical neurons.. We are also interested in unraveling how neurodevelopmental exposure to adverse environment, such as stress and prenatal exposure to drug of abuse, a major cause of neurological and psychiatric disorders, alters GPCRs function and synaptic dynamic in monaminergic nuclei and cortical regions. To that end, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that leverage the use of ex-vivo electrophysiological, genetic manipulation, optogenetic, in vivo neuroimaging and behavioral technique to decipher the synaptic mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Cellular Neuroscience, Wayne State University Medical School (1998)
- Other, Cellular Neuroscience, Saint Louis University (1996)
- PhD, Neuroscience, University Piere et Marie Curie (1993)
- MS, Neuroscience, Univerrsity Piere et Marie Curie (1990)
- BS, Biology, University of Orsay, Paris Sud (1988)
Employment:
- Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. (2020-present)
- Senior Research Scientist (tenured), Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. (2018–2020)
- Adjunct faculty, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. (2011–2018)
- Senior Research Scientist (tenured), Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo (2011–2018)
- Senior Research Scientist, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo (1999–2011)
- Research Assistant Professor, Deparrtment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University (1996–1999)
- Postdoctoral/Research Associate, Department of Pharmacology and Physiological Sciences, Saint Louis University (1993–1996)
Awards and Honors:
- NARSAD Young Investigator Award (1999)
- Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship (1994)
- Ph.D. Dissertation Award (1993)
- International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) (1992)
- Servier Pharmaceutical Company Research Award (1991)
- Pharmacologia Award (1991)
- Bayer Pharmaceutical Company Research Award (1990)
- Master Thesis award (1989)
Research Expertise:
- Neurophysiologist: Ex-vivo cellular electrophysiology, Whole- Cell Path Clamp Recording
- Neuroscientist: Ion Channel Function, Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity
- Pharmacologist: Pharmacology of Neurotransmitter Receptors and Signaling
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- September 2022–June 2027
Role of microglia in prenatal ethanol exposure-induced impairment of endocannabinoid signaling.
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator
$1,813,263 - March 2021–February 2025
Synaptic transport of endocannabinoids in the brain
NIH
$2,286,991 - September 2018–August 2023
Prenatal ethanol exposure and nitric oxide signaling in serotonin neurons
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,794,375 - June 2018–March 2023
Prenatal ethanol exposure on executive function
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator
$1,794,375 - March 2020–February 2021
Synaptic transport of endocannabinoids in the brain
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$679,145 - March 2018–February 2020
Fatty acid binding protein-mediated control of endocannabinoid signaling and addiction
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$426,635 - December 2010–November 2017
Addiction propensity after prenatal ethanol exposure
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator
$1,641,925 - December 2010–November 2017
Addiction Propensity After Prenatal Ethanol Exposure.
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator
$1,651,617 - May 2016–April 2017
Developing wireless optical approaches to dissect the neuronal circuit underlying cognitive function
Research Institute on Addictions
Role: Principal Investigator
$23,500 - October 2014–September 2015
Fatty acid binding proteins and the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity in monoaminergic neurons
SUNY REACH
Role: Principal Investigator
$20,000 - March 2014–August 2015
Regulation of social reward in rat valproic acid model of autism
Research Institute on Addictions
Role: Co-Investigator
$22,500 - October 2012–September 2014
Fatty acid binding proteins and the regulation and the regulation of VTA DA neurons
SUNY REACH
Role: Principal Investigator
$15,000 - April 2007–September 2014
Stress and endocannabinoids in serotonin neurons
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,688,465 - April 2007–March 2011
Dopamine function after prenatal ethanol exposure
NIH
Role: Co-Investigator
$701,924 - December 2001–November 2005
Dopamine mechanisms and receptor in raphe serotonin neurons
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$881,208 - January 1999–January 2005
NIH/NIAAA 12435
NIH/NIAAA
Role: Co-Investigator - January 1999–December 2001
Muscarinic receptors in the prefrontal cortex and schizophrenia
NARSAD
Role: Principal Investigator
$60,000
Journal Articles:
- Kwarteng F, Wang R, Micov V, Hausknecht KA, Turk M, Ishiwari K, Oubraim S, Wang AL, Richards JB, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2022) Adolescent chronic unpredictable stress leads to increased anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity-like symptoms in adulthood. Psychopharmacology (Dec), 239(12): 3779-3791. doi:doi: 10.1007/s00213-022-06242-1. Epub 2022 Nov 9
- Oubraim S, Wang R, Hausknecht K, Kaczocha M, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2022) Prenatal ethanol exposure causes anxiety-like phenotype and alters synaptic nitric oxide and endocannabinoid signaling in dorsal raphe nucleus of adult male rats. Transl Psychiatry (Oct), 12(1): 440. doi:doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-02210-7
- Fauzan M, Oubraim S, Yu M, Glaser ST, Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S. (2022) Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5 Modulates Brain Endocannabinoid Tone and Retrograde Signaling in the Striatum. Front Cell Neurosci (Jul), 16: 936939. doi:doi: 10.3389/fncel.2022.936939. eCollection 2022
- Wang R, Martin CD, Lei AL, Hausknecht KA, Turk M, Micov V, Kwarteng F, Ishiwari K, Oubraim S, Wang AL, Richards JB, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2022) Prenatal ethanol exposure impairs sensory processing and habituation to visual stimuli, effects normalized by enrichment of postnatal environmental. Alcohol Clin Exp Res (May), 46(5): 891-906. doi:doi: 10.1111/acer.14818. Epub 2022 Apr 18
- Wang R, Martin CD, Lei AL, Hausknecht KA, Ishiwari K, Oubraim S, Wang AL, Richards JB, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2021) Moderate prenatal ethanol exposure leads to attention deficits in both male and female rats. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research (May), 45(5): 1122-1135.
- Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S. (2021) Mechanisms of endocannabinoid transport in the brain. British journal of pharmacology (Mar).
- Oubraim S, Wang R, Hausknecht KA, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2021) Tonic Endocannabinoid Signaling Gates Synaptic Plasticity in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Serotonin Neurons Through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors. Frontiers in pharmacology (Jan), 12: 691219. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.691219
- Wang R, Hausknecht KA, Gancarz-Kausch AM, Oubraim S, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2020) Cocaine self-administration abolishes endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression of glutamatergic synapses in the ventral tegmental area. The European journal of neuroscience (Dec), 52(11): 4517-4524. doi:10.1111/ejn.14980
- Aghaie CI, Hausknecht KA, Wang R, Dezfuli PH, Haj-Dahmane S, Kane CJM, Sigurdson WJ, Shen RY. (2020) Prenatal Ethanol Exposure and Postnatal Environmental Intervention Alter Dopaminergic Neuron and Microglia Morphology in the Ventral Tegmental Area During Adulthood. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research (Feb), 44(2): 435-444. doi:10.1111/acer.14275
- Wang R, Martin CD, Lei AL, Hausknecht KA, Ishiwari K, Richards JB, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2020) Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Leads to Attention Deficits in Both Male and Female Rats. Frontiers in neuroscience (Jan), 14: 12. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00012
- Wakabayashi KT, Feja M, Baindur AN, Bruno MJ, Bhimani RV, Park J, Hausknecht K, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S, Bass CE. (2019) Chemogenetic activation of ventral tegmental area GABA neurons, but not mesoaccumbal GABA terminals, disrupts responding to reward-predictive cues. Neuropsychopharmacology (Jan), 44(2): 372-380.
- Wang R, Shen YL, Hausknecht KA, Chang L, Haj-Dahmane S, Vezina P, Shen RY. (2019) Prenatal ethanol exposure increases risk of psychostimulant addiction. Behav Brain Res (Jan), 356: 51-61.
- Wang R, Hausknecht KA, Shen YL, Haj-Dahmane S, Vezina P, Shen RY. (2018) Environmental enrichment reverses increased addiction risk caused by prenatal ethanol exposure. Drug Alcohol Depend (Oct), 191: 343-347.
- Hamilton J, Koumas C, Clavin BH, Marion M, Figueiredo A, Gonzalez S, O'Rourke JR, Deutsch D, Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S, Thanos PK. (2018) Fatty acid-binding proteins 5 and 7 gene deletion increases sucrose consumption and diminishes forced swim immobility time. Behav Pharmacol (Sep), 29(6): 503-508.
- Hamilton J, Marion M, Figueiredo A, Clavin BH, Deutsch D, Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S, Thanos PK. (2018) Fatty acid binding protein deletion prevents stress-induced preference for cocaine and dampens stress-induced corticosterone levels. Synapse (Jun), 72(6): 22031-22031.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY, Elmes MW, Studholme K, Kanjiya MP, Bogdan D, Thanos PK, Miyauchi JT, Tsirka SE, Deutsch DG, Kaczocha M. (2018) Fatty-acid-binding protein 5 controls retrograde endocannabinoid signaling at central glutamate synapses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Jan), 115(13): 3482-3487.
- Wang R, Hausknecht KA, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY, Richards JB. (2018) Decreased environmental complexity during development impairs habituation of reinforcer effectiveness of sensory stimuli. Behav Brain Res (Jan), 337: 53-60.
- Wang R, Hausknecht K, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2018) Potentiation of Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission Onto Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neurons in the Valproic Acid Model of Autism. Frontiers in pharmacology (Jan), 9: 1185. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01185
- Figueiredo A, Hamilton J, Marion M, Blum K, Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S, Deutsch D, Thanos PK. (2017) Pharmacological Inhibition of Brain Fatty Acid Binding Protein Reduces Ethanol Consumption in Mice. J Reward Defic Syndr Addict Sci (Oct), 3(2): 21-27.
- Hausknecht K, Shen YL, Wang RX, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2017) Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Persistently Alters Endocannabinoid Signaling and Endocannabinoid-Mediated Excitatory Synaptic Plasticity in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons. J Neurosci (Jun), 37(24): 5798-5808.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Béïque JC, Shen RY. (2017) GluA2-Lacking AMPA Receptors and Nitric Oxide Signaling Gate Spike-Timing-Dependent Potentiation of Glutamate Synapses in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. eNeuro (May), 4(3).
- Evely KM, Pryce KD, Bausch AE, Lukowski R, Ruth P, Haj-Dahmane S, Bhattacharjee A. (2017) Slack KNa Channels Influence Dorsal Horn Synapses and Nociceptive Behavior. Mol Pain (Jan), 13: 1744806917-1744806917.
- Geddes SD, Assadzada S, Lemelin D, Sokolovski A, Bergeron R, Haj-Dahmane S, Béïque JC. (2016) Target-specific modulation of the descending prefrontal cortex inputs to the dorsal raphe nucleus by cannabinoids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (May), 113(19): 5429-5434.
- Evely KM, Hudson RL, Dubocovich ML, Haj-Dahmane S. (2016) Melatonin receptor activation increases glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the rat medial lateral habenula. Synapse (May), 70(5): 181-186.
- Thanos PK, Clavin BH, Hamilton J, O'Rourke JR, Maher T, Koumas C, Miao E, Lankop J, Elhage A, Haj-Dahmane S, Deutsch D, Kaczocha M. (2016) Examination of the Addictive and Behavioral Properties of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Inhibitor SBFI26. Front Psychiatry (Apr), 7: 54-54.
- Geddes SD, Assadzada S, Sokolovski A, Bergeron R, Haj-Dahmane S, Béïque JC. (2015) Time-dependent modulation of glutamate synapses onto 5-HT neurons by antidepressant treatment. Neuropharmacology (Aug), 95: 130-143.
- Hausknecht K, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen YL, Vezina P, Dlugos C, Shen RY. (2015) Excitatory synaptic function and plasticity is persistently altered in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons after prenatal ethanol exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology (Mar), 40(4): 893-905.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2014) Chronic stress impairs α1-adrenoceptor-induced endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity in the dorsal raphe nucleus. J Neurosci (Oct), 34(44): 14560-14570.
- Hausknecht K, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2013) Prenatal stress exposure increases the excitation of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and alters their reponses to psychostimulants. Neuropsychopharmacology (Jan), 38(2): 293-301.
- Andrade R, Haj-Dahmane S. (2013) Serotonin neuron diversity in the dorsal raphe. ACS Chem Neurosci (Jan), 4(1): 22-25.
- Berger WT, Ralph BP, Kaczocha M, Sun J, Balius TE, Rizzo RC, Haj-Dahmane S, Ojima I, Deutsch DG. (2012) Targeting fatty acid binding protein (FABP) anandamide transporters - a novel strategy for development of anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive drugs. PLoS One (Dec), 7(12): 50968-50968.
- Wang J, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2012) Endocannabinoids mediate the glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission to dorsal raphe serotonin neurons. J Physiol (Nov), 590(22): 5795-5808.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2011) Modulation of the serotonin system by endocannabinoid signaling. Neuropharmacology (Sep), 61(3): 414-420.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2010) Regulation of plasticity of glutamate synapses by endocannabinoids and the cyclic-AMP/protein kinase A pathway in midbrain dopamine neurons. J Physiol (Jul), 588(Pt 14): 2589-2604.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2009) Endocannabinoids suppress excitatory synaptic transmission to dorsal raphe serotonin neurons through the activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Oct), 331(1): 186-196.
- Aman TK, Shen RY, Haj-Dahmane S. (2007) D2-like dopamine receptors depolarize dorsal raphe serotonin neurons through the activation of nonselective cationic conductance. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Jan), 320(1): 376-385.
- Wang J, Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2006) Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on the excitability of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in vitro. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Nov), 319(2): 857-863.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY. (2005) The wake-promoting peptide orexin-B inhibits glutamatergic transmission to dorsal raphe nucleus serotonin neurons through retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. J Neurosci (Jan), 25(4): 896-905.
- Chapin EM, Haj-Dahmane S, Torres G, Andrade R. (2002) The 5-HT(4) receptor-induced depolarization in rat hippocampal neurons is mediated by cAMP but is independent of I(h). Neurosci Lett (May), 324(1): 1-4.
- Haj-Dahmane S. (2001) D2-like dopamine receptor activation excites rat dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons in vitro. Eur J Neurosci (Jul), 14(1): 125-134.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Andrade R. (1999) Muscarinic receptors regulate two different calcium-dependent non-selective cation currents in rat prefrontal cortex. Eur J Neurosci (Jun), 11(6): 1973-1980.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Andrade R. (1998) Ionic mechanism of the slow afterdepolarization induced by muscarinic receptor activation in rat prefrontal cortex. J Neurophysiol (Sep), 80(3): 1197-1210.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Andrade R. (1997) Calcium-activated cation nonselective current contributes to the fast afterdepolarization in rat prefrontal cortex neurons. J Neurophysiol (Oct), 78(4): 1983-1989.
- Lanfumey L, Haj-Dahmane S, Laporte AM, Martin P, Hamon M, Gozlan H. (1997) Effects of chronic diazepam treatment on pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol (Apr), 323(2-3): 137-148.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Andrade R. (1996) Muscarinic activation of a voltage-dependent cation nonselective current in rat association cortex. J Neurosci (Jun), 16(12): 3848-3861.
- Laaris N, Haj-Dahmane S, Hamon M, Lanfumey L. (1995) Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition by corticosterone of 5-HT1A autoreceptor functioning in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuropharmacology (Sep), 34(9): 1201-1210.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Jolas T, Laporte AM, Gozlan H, Farré AJ, Hamon M, Lanfumey L. (1994) Interactions of lesopitron (E-4424) with central 5-HT1A receptors: in vitro and in vivo studies in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol (Apr), 255(1-3): 185-196.
- Jolas T, Haj-Dahmane S, Kidd EJ, Langlois X, Lanfumey L, Fattaccini CM, Vantalon V, Laporte AM, Adrien J, Gozlan H. (1994) Central pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in rats treated chronically with a novel antidepressant, cericlamine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Mar), 268(3): 1432-1443.
- Lanfumey L, Haj-Dahmane S, Hamon M. (1993) Further assessment of the antagonist properties of the novel and selective 5-HT1A receptor ligands (+)-WAY 100 135 and SDZ 216-525. Eur J Pharmacol (Nov), 249(1): 25-35.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Laporte AM, Vantalon V, Fattaccini CM, Hamon M, Lanfumey L. (1993) Possible involvement of K(ATP) channels in the control of 5-HT neurons. Brain Res (Jun), 614(1-2): 270-278.
- Jolas T, Haj-Dahmane S, Lanfumey L, Fattaccini CM, Kidd EJ, Adrien J, Gozlan H, Guardiola-Lemaitre B, Hamon M. (1993) (-)Tertatolol is a potent antagonist at pre- and postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol (May), 347(5): 453-463.
- Kidd EJ, Haj-Dahmane S, Jolas T, Lanfumey L, Fattaccini CM, Guardiola-Lemaitre B, Gozlan H, Hamon M. (1993) New methoxy-chroman derivatives, 4[N-(5-methoxy-chroman-3-yl)N- propylamino]butyl-8-azaspiro-(4,5)-decane-7,9-dione [(+/-)-S 20244] and its enantiomers, (+)-S 20499 and (-)-S 20500, with potent agonist properties at central 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Feb), 264(2): 863-872.
- Adrien J, Tissier MH, Lanfumey L, Haj-Dahmane S, Jolas T, Franc B, Hamon M. (1992) Central action of 5-HT3 receptor ligands in the regulation of sleep-wakefulness and raphe neuronal activity in the rat. Neuropharmacology (Jun), 31(6): 519-529.
- Lanfumey L, Haj-Dahmane S, Laporte AM, Vantalon V, Hamon M. (1992) Potassium channels control the electrical activity of serotoninergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Clin Neuropharmacol (Jan), 15 Su: 135-136.
- Haj-Dahmane S, Hamon M, Lanfumey L. (1991) K+ channel and 5-hydroxytryptamine1A autoreceptor interactions in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus: an in vitro electrophysiological study. Neuroscience (Jan), 41(2-3): 495-505.
- Schechter LE, Bolaños FJ, Gozlan H, Lanfumey L, Haj-Dahmane S, Laporte AM, Fattaccini CM, Hamon M. (1990) Alterations of central serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in rats chronically treated with ipsapirone: biochemical and electrophysiological studies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther (Dec), 255(3): 1335-1347.
Professional Memberships:
- International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS); Regular Member (2017–present)
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; Regular Member (2005–present)
- International Brain Research Organization (IBRO); Member (1998–present)
- Society for Neuroscience (SFN); Regular Member (1993–present)
- European Federation of Neurosciences; Member (1989–present)
Presentations:
- "Mechanisms of Endocannabinoid Signaling at Central Synapses”." University at Buffalo, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2019)
- "Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 and the Synaptic Transport of Endocannabinoid in the Brain”." West Virginia University, Department of Neuroscience, Morgantown, WV. (2019)
- "Stress and Neuroadaptation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Serotonin Neurons: from Synapses to Behaviors" Stony Brook University, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook, NY (2018)
- "Constitutive endocannabinoid signaling gates hebbian plasticity of glutamte synapses of dorsal raphe neurons" International Society for Research in Serotonin (2017)
- "Endocannabinoid Signaling and the Regulation of Serotonin System: From Synaptic Circuit to Behaviors" French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. (2017)
- "Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling at Central Synapses" Uniformed Services University, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, MD (2015)
- "Optogenetic dissection of endocannabinoid signaling at central synapses" UB Pharmacology and Toxicology seminar series; University at Buffalo (2014)
- "Mechanisms of endocannabinoid signaling at central synapses" SUNY Reach Addiction Research Day; SUNY Reach (2013)
- "Stress, Addictions and Endocannabinoid System: From Synaptic Signaling to Behaviors" University at Buffalo, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (2012)
- "Stress and dugs of abuse converge on serotoninergic system" Winter Conference in Brain Research (2011)
- "Stress and the modulation of endocannbinoid signaling in dorsal raphe serotonin neurons" Serotonin Club Meeting (2010)
- "Endocannabinoid signaling and the modulation of synaptic plasticity in monoaminergic neurons" Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine; University of Ottawa Medical Center (2010)
- "Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and the regulation of glutamte synapses of monoaminergic neurons" UB Neuroscience program seminar series; Unversity at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2009)
- "Endocannbinoid system and the regulation of stress related mood disorders" Department of Psychiatry and Human Genetic; Virginia Commonwealth University (2008)
- "Stress and the regulation of endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system" Department of Pharmacology; Uniformed Services University, Naval medical Center (2008)
- "Retrograde modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity: Role of endocannabinoids" Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience; University of Nebraska Medical Center (2008)
- "Stress and the Regulation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Central Nervous System" Uniformed Services University, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, MD (2008)
- "Endocannabinoids and the Retrograde Modulation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity in Dorsal Raphe Serotonin Neurons." University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD. (2007)
- "Stress and the Modulation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Brain" University at Buffalo, Research Institute on Addictions, Buffalo, NY. (2006)
- "Endocannabinoids and the Regulation of Stress-Related Mood Disorders" National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Taipei, Taiwan (2006)
- "Endocannabinoids and the Retrograde Modulation of Synaptic Strength and Plasticity" National Taiwan University, Department of Psychology, Taipei, Taiwan. (2006)
- "To Eat or to Sleep: Orexin Modulation of Central 5-HT Neurotransmission and Arousal." University at Buffalo, Department of Psychology. (2002)
- "Cellular Mechanisms of Cholinergic Transmission in the Cerebral Cortex." University at Buffalo, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Buffalo, NY. (1999)
- "Muscarinic Receptors Signaling and the Regulation of Neuronal Excitability in the Prefrontal Cortex" French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Department of Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences, Paris, France (1999)
- "Role of G-Protein Coupled Receptors in the Regulation of Neuronal Excitability in the Brain." Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY (1998)
- "Characterization of a Novel Voltage Dependent Cation Non-Selective Current as a Major Target of Muscarinic Receptors in the Prefrontal Cortex" University of Michigan, Society for Neurosciences Michigan Chapter Meeting, An Arbor, MI. (1997)
- "Muscarinic Receptors Signaling in the Prefrontal Cortex and the Regulation of Short-Term Memory" Wayne State University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Detroit, MI. (1996)
- "Electrophysiology of Muscarinic Receptors in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex" St Louis University, Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences, St Louis, MO. (1994)
Service Activities:
- NIH Special emphasis Panel ZAA1 JJ (10) – CIFASD Review; Reviewer (2022)
- Canada Excellence Research Chairs, Canada Institutes of Health Research, Canada; Grant Reviewer (2021–present)
- Organizing Committee of SUNY wide graduate research day; Organizing Member (2020–present)
- SUNY Faculty Senate Committee for Graduate Education and Research; Member (2019–present)
- NIH-NAL, Neurotoxicology and Alcohol study section, ad-hoc reviewer (February 2018, October 2018, February 2019, October 2019; February 2020, February 2021, February 2022).; Grant Reviewer (2018–2022)
- Admission Committee, Ph. D Program in Basic Science (PPBS), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo.; Member (2016–2018)
- NIH-NMB, Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior.; Grant Reviewer (2015)
- Frontier in Pharmacology; Associate Editor (2014–present)
- Frontier in Cellular Neuroscience; Associate Editor (2014–present)
- Frontier in Behavioral Neuroscience; Associate Editor (2014–present)
- SUNY RF REACH grant program; Grant Reviewer (2014)
- Developing a UB Community of Excellence in Addition Research.; Member (2014–2015)
- National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.; Grant Reviewer (2012–2014)
- NIH T32 Post-Doctoral Training Committee, Department of Anesthesiology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo.; Member (2012–present)
- CLIMB UP Undergraduate Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo; Mentor (2011–present)
- UB Neuroscience Research Day; Poster Judge (2010–present)
- Hungarian Scientific Research Agency (PTKA).; Grant Reviewer (2010–2012)
- French National Research Agency, Program INSERM, Avenir; Grant Reviewer (2010)
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), University at Buffalo; Member (2007–2009)
- NIAAA T32 Post-Doctoral Training Committee, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo.; Member (2007–present)
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), University at Buffalo; Member (2001–2003)
- Neuron. Journal of Neuroscience. Cell Report. Journal of Physiology. PlosOne. Neuropsychopharmacology. Cerebral Cortex. Journal of Neurophysiology. Brain Research. British Journal of Pharmacology. European Journal of Neuroscience. European Journal of Pharmacology. Experimental Neurology. Frontier in Pharmacology. Frontier in Neuroscience. Journal of Neuronal Transmission. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutic. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Molecular Pharmacology. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology. Neuropharmacology. Neuroscience. Neuro-Report. Neuroscience Letters. Synapse. iScience. (2000–present)