Name

Sanika Samuel Chirwa, M.D., Ph.D.

Position

Associate Professor, Meharry Medical College; Adjunct Associate Professor Vanderbilt University

Department

Biomedical Sciences, Div. Neurobiology and Neurotoxicology (Meharry); Pharmacology (Vanderbilt)

Meharry Phone

(615) 327-6934

Meharry Fax

(615) 327-5789

Lab Location

Bio Medical Center Building, Rooms 16 & 17

E-mail

schirwa@mmc.edu; sanika.chirwa@vanderbilt.edu

Elected MTNCSfN President

August 26, 2005 - 1st Term
August 31, 2007 - 2nd Term

Educational Background

Attended the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Postdoctoral Scholar at the Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, United States of America.

Research Specialty/Interests

Neuroscience; Neuropharmacology

Research Description

We are investigating the mechanisms underlying the modification of mature synapses in the brain. We want to establish the signaling pathways that couple neural activity and new gene expression that orchestrate synaptic modifications in the hippocampus. These fundamental changes result in improved neuron-to-neuron communication (e.g., long-term potentiation) and they are taken to be cellular correlates of learning and memory. Our basic hypothesis is that “Dopamine D₁ receptor pathways couple neural activity and gene expression that orchestrate stabilization of synaptic memory”. Our project utilizes discrete electrophysiological techniques in vivo in conjunction with molecular assays (real time PCR, antisense gene knockdown, cRNA microarray analysis, quantitative Westerns, immunocytochemistry) and basic histology (retrograde cell labeling, Nissl stains). Altogether, our studies will provide definitive new information on the pathways linking neural activity and gene expression underpinning synaptic plasticity, and establish whether the D₁R is both necessary and sufficient to induce LTP maintenance. Understanding these pathways could identify D₁R as targets for drugs designed to enhance synaptic fidelity, and concomitant cognitive enhancement after brain injury or disease (e.g. stroke, Alzheimers' disease, Parkinsonism) or to modulate addictive behaviors.

Academic Interests/Expertise:

Teaches Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.

Clinical Interests/Expertise:

(1) Malaria and HIV as causative factors in the genesis of neurological dysfunctions; (2) Impact of smoking and alcohol on therapeutic efficacy of drugs, (3) Ethnopharmacology.

Publications