I am both a mentor and scientist, and I would have it no other way. It is not an exaggeration to say that my students are the secret to my success. Regardless of level, the mentor-mentee relationship is an active collaboration. Graduate students in my laboratory, through study and experience, will learn to expertly apply the scientific method to timely research questions, accelerating their trajectory to confident, thoughtful and independent scientists. Under this mentorship model, trainees will develop a multi-faceted investigational approach and master cutting-edge neuroscience techniques that will lead to the design, execution and communication of sound and innovative research. As part of this process, they are strongly encouraged to cross-train with other faculty, here and at other institutions, to foster collaborative acumen and diversify their technical skill set. I also encourage grant development and writing so students can experience this process, which is critical to success in our field. Summary of Research By employing animal models of Parkinson's disease and a combination of gene therapy, chemogenetic and neurochemical techniques, we examine the role of various neurocircuits and neurotransmitters responsible for this debilitating disorder. Just as importantly, we explore pharmacological targets within the brain that may aid in the development of more efficacious treatment for the Parkinsonian patient. Our projects, funded by the National Institutes of Health and various foundations, investigate neuroplasticity in the movement systems that may provide a novel target for the reduction of Parkinsonian symptoms and side effects that occur as a result of chronic drug therapy. Representative Publications (+graduate student author, *undergraduate student author): +Budrow, C., Bernal-Conde, L-D., Sandoval, I.M., +Galfano, A., Grezenko, H., Velazquez, A., Marmion, DJ., Flores-Barrere, E., *Venkatesh, S., Coyle, M., Meyers, K., Nguyen, K., Holden, H., Tseng, K-Y., Bishop, C. and Manfredsson, F.P. (2026). Effects of chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic raphe-striatal neurons on L-DOPA-induced behaviors and neurochemistry in a rat model of Parkinson鈥檚 disease. Acta Neuropathologica Communications 14(1), doi: 10.1186/s40478-026-02221-1. +Galfano, A., McManus, R.M., Navarrete, W., Chaudhari, S., Bishop, C., Salvatore, M.F. (2026). Preservation of extracellular and tissue dopamine during tyrosine hydroxylase loss in rat 6-OHDA parkinson鈥檚 model: selective compensation restricted to substantia nigra International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27(9), 3923. doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093923. +Chambers, N.E., *McLune, A., Coyle, M., *Sergio, J., +Delpriore, I., +Lanza, K.L., Lindsley, C.W., Conn, J., Bishop, C. (2026). Rostral pedunculopontine nucleus infusion of M4 positive allosteric modulator VU0467154 augments the effects of L-DOPA in hemiparkinsonian rats. Behavioural Brain Research Sep 24;496:115847. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115847. *Venkatesh, S., *Kinzonzi, N., +Galfano, A., *Shah, A., *Franks, J., Holden, H., +McManus, G., +Lipari, N., +Budrow, C., *Valle, E., Bishop, C. (2025). Optimizing L-DOPA treatment through treadmill controlled exercise in a hemiparkinsonian at model. Experimental Neurology Oct 8:115497. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2025.115497. +McManus, G., +Galfano, A., +Budrow, C., Deak, M., +Lipari, N., Tseng, K.Y., Manfredsson, F.P., Bishop, C. (2024). Effects of genetic knockdown of the serotonin transporter on established L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and gene expression in hemiparkinsonian rats. Neuropharmacology. Mar 15;266:110227. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110227.
Christopher R. Bishop
Professor/Director of Undergraduate Integrative Neuroscience Program
Psychology
Mentoring Statement
Background
Movement is an ancient and basic function that is integral to the survival of the individual and species. As such, disorders of movement have a profound impact on all facets of life. One of the most common movement disorders is Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that compromises dopaminergic areas of the brain rendering the individual unable to initiate, coordinate and execute movement. Education
Research Interests
Teaching Interests
Awards
Research Profile
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