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Matthew Buczynski

Assistant Professor
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of California San Diego
Life Sciences I Building, Room 145
970 Washington St SW,
Blacksburg, VA 24061
mwb@vt.edu

Dr. Buczynski joined the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience in August 2016. His research focuses on using mass spectrometry and behavioral pharmacology to identify novel druggable targets of addiction and other neurological disorders.

  • B.S. Chemistry, University of Michigan, 2001
  • Ph.D. Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 2008
  • Postdoctoral Training, The Scripps Research Institute, 2009-2016

Research Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder driven by molecular changes that occur in the brain in response to habitual drug use, and currently available pharmacotherapies have shown only limited efficacy reducing drug use and relapse in addicts. There exists a critical need to identify novel treatments from a more chemically diverse target pool in order to develop effective therapeutics. Accordingly, my fundamental research objective is to identify the novel molecular changes caused by drug exposure and validate their functional role in neurological disorders. The research integrates advanced mass spectrometry platforms with a wide range of techniques including chemical biology, molecular biology, in vivo microdialysis, and behavioral pharmacology. Ultimately, this research program aims to discover novel therapeutics to facilitate new treatments for addiction.

Prospective students interested in exciting and innovative training opportunities should contact Dr. Buczynski by email.

​Postdocs: Researchers interested in a postdoctoral position should include a cover letter summarizing your prior research experience and research interests, a CV or resume, and contact information for at least three academic references.

​Graduate Students: Prospective graduate students should reach out to one of the following departments about application requirements and deadlines: Department of Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, TBMH. Current graduate students can contact Dr. Buczynski by email to set up up a lab rotation.

Undergraduate Students: Prospective undergraduate students should include your name, year, type of preferred position (credit, paid summer research, unpaid summer research), length of intended commitment (one semester, one year, two years, etc.), a statement of interest, and an unofficial transcript or resume.

Selected Publications

  • Buczynski MW, Herman MA, Hsu KL, Natividad LA, Irimia C, Polis IY, Pugh H, Chang JW, Niphakis MJ, Cravatt BF, Roberto M, Parsons LH. Chronic nicotine exposure diminishes inhibitory control of VTA DA neurons through enhanced diacylglycerol lipase-mediated signaling. (2016), PNAS.
  • Buczynski MW, Polis IY, Parsons LH. The volitional nature of nicotine exposure differentially alters anandamide and oleoylethanolamide levels in the ventral tegmental area. (2013) Neuropsychopharmacology.
  • Gregus AM, Doolen S, Dumlao DS, Buczynski MW, Takasusuki T, Fitzsimmons BL, Hua XY, Taylor BK, Dennis EA, Yaksh TL. Spinal 12-lipoxygenase-derived Hepoxilin A3 contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia via activation of TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. (2012) PNAS.
  • Buczynski MW, Parsons LH. Quantification of brain endocannabinoid levels: methods, interpretations and pitfalls. (2010) Br. J. Pharmacol.
  • Buczynski MW#, Svensson CI#, Dumlao DS, Fitzsimmons B, Shim JH, Scherbart TJ, Jacobsen FE, Hua XY, Yaksh, TL, Dennis EA. Inflammatory hyperalgesia induces essential eicosanoid production in spinal cord. (2010) J Neurochem.

For a Complete Publication List from Dr. Buczynski, visit PubMed

Buczynski Research Group