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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Photo of Ted Usdin

Ted Usdin, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Topics

The Systems Neuroscience Imaging Resource (SNIR) makes tools for contemporary systems level molecular anatomy accessible to NIMH, and other investigators. Current approaches to investigation of brain circuits and systems require analyses of neuronal projections, gene expression, and protein distribution patterns at cellular or sub-cellular resolution across multiple brain regions. The SNIR provides access to appropriate hardware, software, wet lab procedures, training, support and expertise. The SNIR facilitates access to technologies such as high-throughput wide-field microscopy, deep tissue imaging via laser scanning confocal microscopy, and light sheet microscopy. It also facilitates the application of recently developed genetic, molecular, and imaging and image analysis techniques to the projects and problems of intramural investigators. A particular focus is the facilitation of work incorporating advances in 3D reconstruction of specified circuits, cell types, and protein distributions, combining modern clearing, image acquisition, and volume reconstruction methods.

Biography

Dr. Usdin is the Director of the Systems Neuroscience Imaging Resource in the NIMH Intramural Research Program. He attended college at Johns Hopkins University. His graduate work in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis with Gerald Fischbach focused on the identification of factors responsible for neuromuscular junction development. Dr. Usdin completed a residency in psychiatry at Stanford University and then in 1990 joined the NIMH Laboratory of Cell Biology. Before running the SNIR, he was Chief of the Section on Fundamental Neuroscience where he explored the biological role of tuberoinfundibular peptide, a neuropeptide that his group discovered.

Selected Publications

Dimitrov EL, Kim YY, Usdin TB (2011). Regulation of hypothalamic signaling by tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues is critical for the response to cold: a novel peptidergic mechanism of thermoregulation. J Neurosci 31, 18166-79. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2619-11.2011. [Pubmed Link ]

Tsuda MC, Yeung HM, Kuo J, Usdin TB (2015). Incubation of Fear Is Regulated by TIP39 Peptide Signaling in the Medial Nucleus of the Amygdala. J Neurosci 35, 12152-61. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1736-15.2015. [Pubmed Link ]

Dimitrov EL, Tsuda MC, Usdin TU (2014) Anxiety- And Depression-Like Behavior And Impaired Neurogenesis Evoked By Peripheral Neuropathy Persist Following Resolution Of Prolonged Tactile Hypersensitivity. The Journal Of Neuroscience 34:12304-12312. [Pubmed Link ]

Dobolyi A, Ueda H, Uchida H, Palkovits M, Usdin TB (2002). Anatomical and physiological evidence for involvement of tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues in nociception. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99, 1651-6. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.042416199. [Pubmed Link ]

Usdin TB, Hoare SR, Wang T, Mezey E, Kowalak JA (1999) TIP39: a new neuropeptide and PTH2-receptor agonist from hypothalamus. Nat Neurosci 2:941-3.. [Pubmed Link ]

Building 49, Room 3A23, MSC 4460
BETHESDA, MD 20814

Phone: +1 301 402 6976

usdint@mail.nih.gov