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Galli earns NARSAD Award
(9-14-01)
Aurelio Galli, Ph.D.,
assistant professor of pharmacology at The University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio, received a Freedman Award honorable mention
for his outstanding achievement in basic science research from the National
Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD).
“I feel very honored
to have received this award from an association that has, over the years,
generously sponsored my research. Their dedication to cure mental diseases
is unparalleled,” Dr. Galli said.
One of three honorable
mention scientists selected from 130 candidates, Dr. Galli’s research
investigated the function of the human dopamine transporter, an important
target for drugs such amphetamine that can produce schizophrenia-like
symptoms. His study showed that amphetamine reduces the number of dopamine
transporters on the cell surface. This discovery will help explain the
basic mechanisms underlying disorders such as schizophrenia and addiction,
and could lead to new treatments for these illnesses.
The Freedman Award is the third NARSAD award Dr. Galli has earned. He received a 1997 NARSAD Young Investigator award while at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and another YI grant in 1999 while at the University of Texas. NARSAD is the leading donor-supported organization funding psychiatric research worldwide.
Contact: Aileen Salinas or Will Sansom