Brigitte Kieffer

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Brigitte Kieffer is a renowned neuroscientist and molecular biologist known for her pioneering work in the field of opioid receptors. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of how these receptors function in the brain and their role in pain, addiction, and mood disorders.

Early Life and Education

Brigitte Kieffer was born in France. She pursued her higher education in biology and biochemistry at the University of Strasbourg, where she earned her PhD in 1983. Her doctoral research focused on the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmission.

Career

After completing her PhD, Kieffer conducted postdoctoral research at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where she began her groundbreaking work on opioid receptors. In 1992, she successfully cloned the gene for the mu-opioid receptor, a major milestone in the field of neuropharmacology.

Kieffer has held various prestigious positions throughout her career. She was a professor at the University of Strasbourg and later joined the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal, Canada, where she continued her research on the genetic and molecular basis of mental health disorders.

Research Contributions

Brigitte Kieffer's research has provided critical insights into the functioning of opioid receptors, which are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of pain relief, euphoria, and addiction. Her work has implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain, opioid addiction, and depression.

One of her notable contributions is the identification of the role of the delta-opioid receptor in mood regulation, which has opened new avenues for the treatment of mood disorders.

Awards and Honors

Kieffer has received numerous awards for her contributions to science, including the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award and the Inserm Grand Prize. She is also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the French Academy of Sciences.

Personal Life

Brigitte Kieffer is known for her dedication to mentoring young scientists and her commitment to advancing the field of neuroscience. She continues to be an influential figure in the scientific community.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Opioid receptor
• Pain management
• Addiction medicine
• Mood disorder