Professor of Neurology
Vice-Chairman for Research
Director, Geriatric Research Educational and Clinical Center (GRECC)
Associate Chief of Staff for Research, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Phone: (412) 648-3299
e-mail: grahams@upmc.edu

Specialized Areas of Interest

Neurons; stroke; brain trauma.

Biography

Dr. Graham’s research focuses on the mechanisms by which neurons die after stroke and brain trauma. New insights into the mechanisms by which cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), the enzyme that is the target of drugs such as Vioxx, injures neurons after anoxia in vitro were obtained during the 2004-5 academic year. These results suggest that prostaglandins, not the peroxidase activity of the enzyme itself, are responsible for COX2’s toxic effect on neurons. Other ongoing research projects address the role of the Fas cell death receptor in stroke and brain trauma. An adenovirus associated viral vector that expresses cFLIP-L, an endogenous inhibitor of Fas-induced cell death, has been constructed and is being tested in models of ischemia in vitro. We have found that mice with mutations in the Fas ligand have fewer apoptotic neurons 24 h after traumatic brain injury, consistent with a role of Fas in neuronal death after TBI.

Dr. Graham continues to have considerable administrative responsibilities as ACOS R and Director of the GRECC. The GRECC had a successful site visit by the VA Geriatrics and Gerontology Advocacy Committee during the academic year and three new research positions have been authorized. As Vice-chair for Research he oversees the rapidly growing research program of the Department. Dr. Graham continues to serve as course director of the Clinical Neuroscience Selective MS4 course and teaches in the MS1 Neuroscience course.
Dr. Graham will continue his studies regarding the mechanism by which COX2 directly injures neurons after anoxia, focusing on the role of prostaglandins in exacerbating cell death. Dr. Graham’s project in the University of Pittsburgh Brain Trauma Center that addresses the role of the Fas death receptor in traumatic brain injury was refunded by the/NINDS/for/five/years. As GRECC Director, he plans to recruit new faculty and further develop its research program in cerebrovascular disease.

Dr. Graham's publications can be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.

Professional Organization Membership

Society for Neuroscience
American Academy of Neurology
National Stroke Council, American Heart Association
National Stroke Association

Editorial Service

• Editorial:

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism

• Ad Hoc Reviewer:

Annals of Neurology
Brain Research
Experimental Neurology
Journal of Neurochemistry
Journal of Neuroscience