Daniel J Lodge, Ph.D.

In a broad sense, my laboratory is interested in better understanding the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disease with the goal of developing novel therapeutics. To do this we utilize a number of approaches including optogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral and molecular methods. Using such an approach, we have identified what we believe to be a key pathology in schizophrenia, specifically a loss of interneuron function in the ventral hippocampus. This has led to a hypothesis that restoring interneuron function may be a novel therapeutic approach for schizophrenia. We are currently investigating the utility of stem cell derived interneuron transplants in rodent models of schizophrenia and autism.

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 2003 - PhD - Medicine - Monash University
  • 1998 - BSc Hons - Pharmacology (First Class Honors) - Monash University

  Training

  • 2009 - Postdoctoral Fellowship - Neuroscience - University of Pittsburgh

  Appointments

  • 3/2009 - 08/2015 - Assistant Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Pharmacology, San Antonio
  • 09/2015 - 08/2021 - Associate Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Pharmacology, San Antonio
  • 09/2021 - Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Pharmacology, San Antonio

• Instruction & Training

  • 2012-present, Course Director - INTD 5043: Fundamentals of Neuroscience II , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2012-present, Course Director - PHAR 7003:Electrophysiology in Neuroscience Research , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2013-present, Lecturer - CIRC 6007: Mind Brain and Behavior , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2016-present, Module Director - INTD 5000: Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2010-present, Lecturer - DHHD 5002: Craniofacial Complex, UT Health San Antonio
  • 2018-present, Lecturer - DHHD 6008: Endocrine, Reproductive, Nervous System and Mental Health, UT Health San Antonio
  • 2014-present, Lecturer - PHAS 6010: Pharmacology , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2016-present, Lecturer - PHYT 7018: Pharmacological Principles in Physical Therapy, UT Health San Antonio
  • 2018-present, Lecturer - OCCT 7005: Occupational Therapy Process: Mental Health, UT Health San Antonio
  • 2011-present, Lecturer - PHAR 5013: Principles of Pharmacology & Physiology , UT Health San Antonio
  • 2019-present, Lecturer - PHAR 5023: Drug Discovery and Development, UT Health San Antonio

• Research & Grants

  The mesolimbic dopamine system regulates cognitive, motivational and behavioral processes critical to normal functioning. Dysfunction in this system has been linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Our research is focused on trying to better understand the regulation of the dopamine system in both normal and disease states. Using techniques such as, in vivo electrophysiology, molecular biology and behavior we are attempting to develop novel treatments for schizophrenia. This includes pharmacological, neurosurgical and cell based methods. We strongly believe that a better understanding of the pathophysiology associated with neuropsychiatric disease is essential for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

  Research profile

  Grants

  • The Orexin System as a Target for PTSD and Comorbid Psychosis
  • Mechanisms contributing to co-morbid psychosis in Alzheimer's disease

  "Postnatal mechanisms of cognitive development in mice"
  Hiroi (PI) - Lodge (Co-I)
  NIMH R01 MH099660
  2022 - 2027
  This grant examines  potential whilte matter abnormalities in mice with CNVs associated with psychiatric illness (Tbx1, 16p11.2 deletion and 22q11.2 hemizygous deletion).

  "Transcranial direct current stiimulation for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder - from rodent models to clinical studies"
  Lodge (PI), Carreno (Co-PI), Straud (Co-PI)
  CBN Center Grant Pilot - UTHSCSA
  01/22 - 12/23
  $100,000/yr
  The major goal of this project is to obtain  initial preclinical and clinical data examing tDCS as a treatment for PTSD.

  "A drug combination to decrase the abuse liability of opioid medications"
  Lodge (PI)
  President's Translational and Entrepreneurial Research Fund - UTHSCSA
  06/2020 - 12/2022
  $38,000
  The major goals of this project are to examine a novel drug combination in reacreational drug users.

  "Evaluation of novel compounds for the  treatment of psychosis"
  Contract (Lodge PI)
  Heptares
  10/2020 - 11/2023
  $150,000/yr
  The major goal of this project is to examine the preclinical utility and mechanisms of action fo novel antipsychotic drugs.

  Pending

  "HAT-TRIC - Hormone ablation therapy: Treatment to restore impaired cognition"
  Morilak (PI) - Lodge (MPI of Project 2)
  NIH/NCI
  This is a program project grant aimed at better understanding the cognitive side effects of androgen deprivation, used to treat prostate cancer, and the examination of potential novel treatments to restore impaired cognition. Dr. Lodge is an MPI of project 2 entitled “Elucidation of the role of genetic variation on androgen-regulated neuronal behavior and cognition”.

  "Aberrant dopamine system function in a rodent model of perimenopause: relevance to psychosis"
  Perez/Lodge (PI)
  NIMH
  The major goal of this project is to examine potential brain mechanisms contributing to the increased risk of psychosis in perimenopausal women.

   

• Service

  School

  • ​Asst Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program (2019 – present)
  • Chair, Neuroscience Student Oversight Committee (2016 – present)
  • IMGP/IBMS Admissions & Recruitment Committee (2010-Present)

  Institutional

  • Member of the Council of Principle Investigators (2020-present)
  • Search Committee Alzheimer’s Institute Director (2015-2017

  National Service

  • NIH– MDCN-57 standing study section (2015-Present)
  • Associate Editor: Neuronal Signaling (2017-present)
  • Editorial Board Member: Synapse (2011-present)

• Publications

  • Ketamine: Leading us into the future for development of antidepressants
  • Stem Cells for Improving the Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Orexin Modulation of VTA Dopamine Neuron Activity: Relevance to Schizophrenia
  • Circuit-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Behaviors Relevant to Schizophrenia
  • Mechanisms associated with the antidepressant-like effects of L-655,708
  • Developmental alterations in the transcriptome of three distinct rodent models of schizophrenia
  • Orexin receptor antagonists reverse aberrant dopamine neuron activity and related behaviors in a rodent model of stress-induced
  • Buprenorphine Exposure Alters the Development and Migration of Interneurons in the Cortex
  • Gestational buprenorphine exposure disrupts dopamine neuron activity and related behaviors in adulthood
  • Positive allosteric modulation of α5-GABAA receptors reverses stress-induced alterations in dopamine system function and prepuls
  • Analgesic Effects of Oxycodone in Combination With Risperidone or Ziprasidone: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial