Dr. Julie Blendy

Biography

Julie Blendy is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on the molecular basis of addiction and depression, aiming to understand the biochemical and behavioral changes associated with chronic drug use. Her group utilizes various mouse models and research techniques, including behavioral analysis, pharmacological analysis, and molecular analysis, to investigate the role of transcription factors such as CREB and CREM in mediating the effects of drugs on the central nervous system. Recent studies in her lab have explored the connection between addiction and depression, emphasizing the significant molecular similarities that underlie these disease states. Dr. Blendy's work includes the development of tissue-specific gene-targeting systems to further elucidate the mechanisms by which antidepressants exert their effects. Through a combination of pharmacological, behavioral, and molecular approaches, her research contributes to a deeper understanding of the biological basis of addiction and depression.

Research Interests

Experience