Discoveries With Long-Lasting Clinical Implications
By Lynn Laurenti
Gregory Grumbar joined the FAU Brain Institute in 2018 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and a master’s degree in pharmacology from Georgetown University.
The institute was established on FAU’s Jupiter campus in 2016 by Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., who conducted groundbreaking neurological research at Yale, Emory and Vanderbilt before coming to FAU. Brain Institute scientists are focused on unraveling the mysteries of some of the most devastating neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders, and drug abuse and addiction.
Grumbar, a research assistant at the FAU Brain Institute, is contributing to this work through two lines of inquiry using genetically modified mice. In one study, he is investigating the ways in which serotonin signaling is influenced by genetic alteration of the molecular pathways through which the signals move, and the resulting changes in behavior. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter, helping to relay signals from one area of the brain to another. An imbalance in serotonin levels may contribute to conditions including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, panic and excess anger.
In his second study, Grumbar is working to understand the mechanisms by which the MBLAC1 gene contributes to central nervous system metabolism and function and the actions of addictive agents. This study is part of a larger undertaking by the FAU Brain Institute and the Center for Innovative Technology at Vanderbilt University, to discover the functional roles of the MBLAC1 gene, including its potential neuroprotective effects.
Here is more information about Grumbar, in his own words:
When did you develop an interest in scientific research?
Biology was always my favorite subject in school, and my first exposure to neuroscience came when my grandfather started to develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and became part of a clinical trial. At the time, I had little understanding of the workings of the nervous system, let alone a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, but this got me interested in learning more about the brain and showed me that we have a long way to go in understanding the nervous system and the diseases that can plague it. My interest in working as a scientific researcher, rather than going down another route such as being a clinician, began when I was studying neurobiology and pharmacology at Georgetown University and delved into the highly nuanced workings of the nervous system.
Was there someone who encouraged you early on – a special teacher or mentor?
Growing up, my parents were very supportive, fostering my interest in learning rather than directing or forcing me in one particular direction. This allowed me to pursue my own passions and future career path. Beyond that, I have been fortunate to have had many great teachers who helped me develop a love for neuroscience and science in general.
When did you start focusing on your current primary research interest?
My interests in neurotransmitter transporter pharmacology and withdrawal and relapse with drugs of abuse stem from curiosity sparked during my upper-level neurobiology and core pharmacology courses. Specifically, looking at serotonin transporter regulation and MBLAC1, I began focusing on these topics when I joined the Blakely lab in 2018.
What is your goal for this research?
My goal is to contribute as much as I can to these projects while I am in the lab – an invaluable period of time while I am preparing to start working toward a Ph.D.
Why do you consider FAU the best place to carry out your research?
As someone who was born and raised in Boca Raton and whose parents both attended the university, I grew up with FAU. Being able to learn from a world-renowned researcher like Dr. Randy Blakely, whose findings I had read about in my coursework, drew me back to the university. After meeting with Dr. Blakely and the rest of the lab, I knew the FAU Brain Institute would be the perfect place for me to hone my skills and become a better researcher, while contributing to interesting and important research projects.
If you could speak directly to a young person who is considering a career in research, what would you say?
Work hard and don’t let setbacks discourage you. You just need to find a topic that interests you and try your hardest to hone your skills. Eventually, you’ll feel at home in the lab and be more than content with the unique atmosphere of working full-time in research.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I’m still very early on in my career so it’s tough to say. I have a long way to go. I’d like to make a discovery with long-lasting clinical implications.
