Eric J. Nestler

Eric J. Nestler is an American neuroscientist and psychiatrist known for his research on the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and depression. He is the Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs and the Director of the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Early Life and Education

Eric J. Nestler was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976. He then pursued a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program at Yale School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. and Ph.D. in 1982.

Career

After completing his medical and doctoral training, Nestler undertook a residency in psychiatry at McLean Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. He later joined the faculty at Yale University, where he became a full professor and served as the Director of the Division of Molecular Psychiatry.

In 2008, Nestler moved to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he assumed the roles of Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs and Director of the Friedman Brain Institute. His work at Mount Sinai has focused on understanding the molecular basis of addiction and depression, with the goal of developing new treatments for these conditions.

Research

Nestler's research has significantly advanced the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to addiction and depression. His work has identified key changes in gene expression and neural plasticity that occur in response to chronic exposure to drugs of abuse and stress. These findings have provided insights into the development of new therapeutic strategies for these disorders.

One of Nestler's notable contributions is the identification of the role of the transcription factor ΔFosB in addiction. His research has shown that ΔFosB accumulates in the brain's reward circuitry in response to chronic drug exposure and plays a critical role in the long-term changes associated with addiction.

Awards and Honors

Eric J. Nestler has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience and psychiatry, including:

• The Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health from the National Academy of Medicine
• The Pasarow Award in Neuropsychiatry
• The Gold Medal Award from the Society of Biological Psychiatry

Personal Life

Nestler is married and has two children. He is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with his family.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Addiction
• Depression (mood)
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai