Piomelli Lab

Daniele Piomelli, PhD

PharmD, magna cum laude; 1982, Pharmacy,
University of Naples, Italy
PhD, 1988, Pharmacology,
Columbia University, New York

Summary of Research:
Research in Dr. Piomelli's lab is focused on how lipid-derived signaling molecules affect the function of the brain and other organs.

Our work has elucidated the biochemical pathways involved in the formation and deactivation of two endogenous cannabinoid lipids, anandamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and uncovered several physiological functions served by these molecules.

We have also developed various classes of pharmacological agents that target endocannabinoid deactivation, producing analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

In addition, we have discovered the molecular mechanism of action of a novel class of lipid messengers, the fatty-acid ethanolamides, natural ligands of the nuclear receptor PPAR-alpha that are involved in the control of feeding, pain and inflammation.

Finally, we investigate the mechanism responsible for the production and deactivation of ceramide, a sphingolipid involved in the control of senescence and apoptpsis, and developed the first high-potency inhibitors of ceramide degradation.

The Lab Personnel:

Assistant Adjunct Professor:

• Kwang Mook Jung, PhD

• Faizy Ahmed, PhD

• Fariba Oveisi, BS

• Miki Igarashi, PhD

• Guillermo Moreno Sanz, PhD

• Nicholas DiPatrizio, PhD

• Jennifer Lockney, BS

• Agnesa Avanesian, Pharm/Tox PhD student
• James Lim, Anatomy PhD student
• Don Wei, Anatomy MD/PhD student

• HPLC MS/MS
• Lipidomic profiling
• Protein purification and cloning
• Cellular and behavioral pharmacology
• Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery