Research, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, United States
Yakhnitsa Vadim, M.D., Ph.D., is a dedicated Research Assistant Professor at TTUHSC’s Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, Vadim has significantly contributed to understanding neuroplasticity and pain mechanisms, employing multidisciplinary approaches that span electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetics, and pharmacology. His recent work on sex-specific pro-nociceptive pathways in chronic pain highlights his commitment to advancing neurological and psychiatric research. Vadim’s mentorship of MD/PhD and graduate students exemplifies his dedication to nurturing future leaders in neuroscience.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
- M.D. in Medicine (State Medical University, Ukraine, 1980) – Vadim began his academic journey studying medicine, setting the foundation for his future research.
- Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics (Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine, 1987) – He deepened his understanding of physiological processes.
- Postdoctoral Studies in Physiology (Karolinska Institute & Hospital, Sweden, 1996-1999) – Expanded his expertise with cutting-edge research in European settings.
- Postdoctoral Studies in Pharmacology (Oregon Health & Sciences University, USA, 1999-2005) – Further specialized in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pain and pharmacological treatments.
💼 Experience
- 2023-Present: Research Assistant Professor, TTUHSC, Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience.
- 2015-2023: Senior Research Associate, TTUHSC.
- 2005-2014: Senior Research Associate, Oregon Health & Sciences University.
- 1996-1999: Postdoctoral Researcher, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- 1987-1995: Research Scientist, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine.
- 1980-1984: Intern, Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Zaporojie Hospital, Ukraine.
🔬 Research Interests
Vadim’s research explores neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and neuroplasticity, focusing on:
- Amygdala and hypothalamus signaling in pain and emotional processing.
- The role of Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and CRF signaling pathways.
- Neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory responses contributing to pain.
- Developing potential therapeutic approaches using techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and gene therapy.
🏆 Awards and Recognitions
- 2008: Featured publication in the Journal of Neuroscience.
- 1998: Best Poster Presentation at the American Pain Society’s 19th Annual Congress.
- 1996: Travel Grant for the 8th World Congress on Pain, IASP, Vancouver.
- 1993: Travel Fellowship Award from the International Science Foundation.
- 1992: ISF Fellowship Award for outstanding contributions to physiology research.
📚 Publications Top Notes
Yakhnitsa V., Linderoth B., Meyerson BA. Modulation of dorsal horn neuronal activity by spinal cord stimulation in a rat model of neuropathy: the role of the dorsal funiculus. Neurophysiology, 1998, PMID: 10068168.
Thompson JM, Yakhnitsa V., Ji G., Neugebauer V. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel dependent and independent effects of riluzole on neuropathic pain-related amygdala activity and behaviors in rats. Neuropharmacology, 2018, Doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.06.015.
Yakhnitsa V., Thompson JM, et al. Dysfunction of Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium (SK) Channels Drives Amygdala Hyperexcitability and Neuropathic Pain Behaviors: Involvement of Epigenetic Mechanisms. Cells, 2024, PMID: 38920682.
Navratilova E, Ji G, Phelps C, et al. Kappa opioid signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala promotes disinhibition and aversiveness of chronic neuropathic pain. Pain, 2019, PMID: 30681985.
Hein M., Ji G., Tidwell D., et al. Kappa opioid receptor activation in the amygdala disinhibits CRF neurons to generate pain-like behaviors. Neuropharmacology, 2021, PMC: PMC7887082.