Marina Picciotto

Marina Picciotto 2017

Marina R. Picciotto is a prominent American neuroscientist known for her extensive research on the molecular basis of addiction, depression, and learning. She is currently the Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University. Picciotto's work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain.

Early Life and Education

Marina Picciotto was born in New York City. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. She then pursued her Ph.D. in Molecular Neurobiology at Rockefeller University under the mentorship of Paul Greengard, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

Research and Career

After completing her Ph.D., Picciotto conducted postdoctoral research at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, where she worked with Jean-Pierre Changeux. Her research focused on the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, particularly in relation to addiction and mood disorders.

In 1995, Picciotto joined the faculty at Yale University, where she has since established herself as a leading figure in the field of neuroscience. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying behaviors related to addiction, depression, and learning. One of her notable discoveries is the role of the β2 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in nicotine addiction.

Awards and Honors

Marina Picciotto has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to neuroscience, including:

• The Jacob P. Waletzky Award from the Society for Neuroscience
• The Daniel H. Efron Research Award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
• Election to the National Academy of Medicine

Professional Affiliations

Picciotto is a member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the National Academy of Medicine. She also serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals.

Personal Life

Marina Picciotto is married and has two children. She is an advocate for work-life balance and has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing a demanding career in science with family responsibilities.

Selected Publications

• Picciotto, M.R., et al. (1998). "Role of the β2 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nicotine addiction." *Nature*.
• Picciotto, M.R., et al. (2000). "Nicotinic receptors in the brain: Links between molecular biology and behavior." *Neuropharmacology*.
• Picciotto, M.R., et al. (2002). "Acetylcholine as a neuromodulator: Cholinergic signaling shapes nervous system function and behavior." *Neuron*.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
• Addiction
• Depression (mood disorder)
• Yale University