Faculty Image

Alessandro Graziano, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

  • Department: Pharmacology & Physiology
  • Research Interests: Central Mechanisms of Somatosensory Plasticity and Pain
  • Education: Ph.D., University of Rome, "La Sapienza" 
Research

The main focus of my research is understanding the mechanisms of central nervous system plasticity that cause the emergence and maintenance of central pain after spinal cord injury or other chronic pain conditions. The conscious sensation of pain depends on specific patterns of synchronous activity of cortical and thalamic neuronal groups. I am interested in identifying molecular markers for cell types specifically involved in pain-related activity in the thalamocortical circuitry, and using these molecules to modulate the excitability of cortical and thalamic neurons, either pharmacologically or using newly developed techniques called "optogenetics," in order to modify their pattern of activation and hence control pain sensation.

Research Location

Department of Pharmacology & Physiology
New College Building
245 N. 15th St., Rm. 8217
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-762-7669
Fax: 215-762-2299

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