A primary aim of the COBRE is to increase the number of neuroscience investigators at UNE and to build a research community that will sustain a vibrant and competitive research center. As part of this aim, the COBRE funds the research efforts of talented and innovative investigators leading projects related to pain and sensory function.
The goal of this funding is to provide these investigators with the support necessary to develop their novel research projects to the point where each can be independently funded with its own separate federal grant. To date, three investigators have received independent funding.
Current COBRE Project Leaders
Michael Burman, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Painful neonatal trauma alters subsequent fear and sensory function via changes in amygdalar CRF function
Michael Burman, Ph.D, tests the hypothesis that neonatal trauma alters the development of a subset of neurons in the amygdala, which can put an individual at increased risk later in life for a variety of conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic pain.
Benjamin Harrison, Ph.D.,assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Genetic control of nociceptor anatomical plasticity in the adult peripheral nervous system
Benjamin Harrison, Ph.D., studies the mechanisms of neuron growth. His COBRE project is geared to understand how RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate the growth of pain receptors.
Christoph Straub, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Oxytocin signaling in nucleus accumbens GABAergic interneurons in chronic pain
Christoph Straub, Ph.D., will characterize oxytocin signaling in nucleus accumbens GABAergic interneurons ex vitro. The study will also examine the activity of NAc GABAergic interneurons in chronic pain in behaving animals.
Previous Project Leaders
Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interaction between calcitonin-gene-related-peptide and CD40 on CNS glial cells in neuropathic pain
Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D., studies the interaction between the immune system and the nervous system, exploring the impact of immune cells on pain stemming from nerve injury.
Received R01 Grant July 2016 and Graduated from the COBRE
Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., professor, School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Genes involved in antinociception in Drosophila Melanogaster
Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., uses genome-wide screens in the fruit fly, Drosophila Melanogaster, to identify novel genes involved in perception of noxious stimuli.
Received a R15 Grant September 2015
Tamara King, Ph.D., professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
The role of spinal disinhibition in cancer-induced bone pain
Tamara King, Ph.D., will examine neural mechanisms underlying cancer bone pain, focusing on the role of altered signaling by inhibitory interneurons within the spinal cord in mediating cancer bone pain. Understanding the role of disinhibition in cancer-induced bone pain will reveal potential novel targets for the development of alternative non-opioid therapies for breakthrough pain.
Promoted to Behavior Core Director June 2021
Lei Lei, Ph.D., associate professor, School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Function of the transcription factor Sox11 in regulating the plasticity of nociceptive neurons after nerve injury
Lei Lei, Ph.D., studies the development of nociceptive neurons, with a particular focus on the transcription factors regulating the plasticity of these neurons following peripheral nerve injury.
Co-collaborator on R01 Grant and Graduated from the COBRE July 2016
COBRE Administration
- Center Director, Ian Meng, Ph.D.
- Center Coordinator, Jennifer Malon, M.S., M.P.H.