Overview
The Hempstead lab identifies the actions of locally synthesized ligands to activate receptors on neurons that regulate neuronal survival, synaptic activity, synaptic structure and even neuronal apoptosis. Using neurotrophin receptors as a model system, the laboratory has focused on identifying how the specificity and fidelity of receptor action is encoded.
A fascinating aspect is that different classes of neurotrophin receptors (Trk receptor tyrosine kinases, a TNF receptor superfamily member-p75, and sortilin family members) can be activated by more than a half dozen ligands (mature neurotrophins, proneurotrophins, immunomodulatory proteins), to maintain neuronal function, and to induce pathological changes in the setting of neurodegenerative disease and acute injury. Where possible, we integrate studies using preclinical murine models with published pathophysiological data to design new therapeutics to block receptor activation.
Highlights
- 1Molecular psychiatry · 2020
- 2Frontiers in molecular neuroscience · 2023
Publications
Funding
Active
2 grants- MPIR01AG078613-02Immunomodulatory Ligand B7-1 Targets p75 Neurotrophin Receptor in NeurodegenerationNational Institute on Aging · 2023–2028
- MPIR01MH123154-05Impact of BDNF on the Development of Social Behavior CircuitsNational Institute of Mental Health · 2020–2026
Completed grants (17)
- Co-I1 D34 HP31879-01 00Weill Cornell Disparities Center of ExcellenceHealth Resources and Services Administration · 2018–2024
- Co-IR01NS052819-13Functional Analysis of Variant BDNF (Val66Met)National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2015–2021· 2 renewals
- PIDFI 183606-01Utility of anti-ProNGF monocloncal antibodies to prevent neuronal death in seizuresDaedalus Fund for Innovation (Weill Cornell) · 2018–2020
- KPR21NS090322-02Structure and Interactions of BDNFNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2015–2018
- Sub-PICBIR15IRG003Strategies for Neuroprotection From Seizure-Induced Neuronal LossNew Jersey Department of Health · 2015–2018 · via Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick
- PIR01NS030687-22EWOReceptor-Mediated Control of Cell DifferentiationNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2010–2016
- MPIP01HD023315-25 EWMolecular Mechanisms Regulating BDNF Release (Project IV)Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development · 2009–2015 · via Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick
- Sub-PIR01NS070173-04Modulating Pro-NGF Induced Cell Death in Epilepsy: Strategies for NeuroprotectionNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2011–2015 · via Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick
- Sub-PIU54CA143876-05 EWCenter on the Microenvironment and MetastasisNational Cancer Institute · 2009–2015 · via Cornell University - Ithaca
- PIR01NS064114-05EWORegulating BDNF Action in Postnatal DevelopmentNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2009–2014
- MPIP01HL072942-05Sculpting the atherosclerotic plaque by neurotrophinsNHLBI · 2003–2008 · via NIH RePORTER
- MPIP01HL046403-15Intracellular signals and smooth muscle cell migrationNHLBI · 1991–2006 · via NIH RePORTER
- PIT32HL007029-30Institutional Research Fellowship Award in HematologyNHLBI · 1975–2006 · via NIH RePORTERNo publications yet
- PIR13NS045648-03Gordon Conference on Neurotrophic Factors (2003,2005)NINDS · 2003–2006 · via NIH RePORTER
Honors & distinctions
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Exemplary Achievement Award · Weill Cornell Medicine · 2020
- Member · American Society for Clinical Investigation · 1996
- Member · Association of American Physicians
Clinical research
Active
1 study- PIExpression of p75 and B7-1 in Human TumorsWeill Medical College of Cornell University · OPEN TO ACCRUAL (as of 2025)
Available technologies
News mentions
- Graduate Students Shine in School's First Dedicated CommencementMay 14, 2026
Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences honored the 311 expected Class of 2026 graduates May 14 during the school’s first dedicated Commencement ceremony.
- 45th Vincent du Vigneaud Symposium Celebrates Graduate Student ResearchApril 30, 2026
The 45th annual Vincent du Vigneaud Memorial Research Symposium, a student-organized event that has become central to the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences experience, had a record number of 153 abstracts submitted this year, including posters and eight oral presentations.
- Celebrating Future Health Care Leaders at CommencementMay 15, 2025
On May 15, Weill Cornell Medicine honored Class of 2025 graduates from Weill Cornell Medical College and the Weill Cornell Graduate School.
- Science and Community Shine at 44th Vincent du Vigneaud SymposiumMay 1, 2025
The Griffis Faculty Club buzzed with excitement as doctoral students from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences presented their research, drawing peers, faculty and alumni to the 44th annual Vincent du Vigneaud Symposium on April 24.
- Class of 2024 Celebrated at Carnegie Hall CommencementMay 17, 2024
On May 16, 389 expected graduates – 109 medical doctors, 46 physician assistants, 80 with doctorates and 154 with master of science degrees – in the Class of 2024 received their degrees from Weill Cornell Medicine during the institution’s annual commencement ceremony at Carnegie Hall.
Show 13 more mentions
- Celebrating Weill Cornell’s Newest Graduates at CommencementMay 19, 2023
More than 350 expected graduates – 104 medical doctors, 86 with doctorates and 190 with Master of Science degrees – in the Class of 2023 received their degrees from Weill Cornell Medicine during the institution’s annual commencement ceremony at Carnegie Hall on May 18.
- New Class of Physician Assistant Students Receive Their White CoatsMay 11, 2023
On May 5, Rubin was one of the 47 students in the Class of 2025 to receive their short white coats, gathered before an audience of faculty, family and friends at Griffis Faculty Club as part of the annual white coat ceremony.
- Commencement Returns to Carnegie Hall, Marking Joyous Day For GraduatesMay 20, 2022
More than 400 students celebrated a milestone on May 19: graduating from Weill Cornell Medical College and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
- Ready to Launch: Weill Cornell Has an Ambitious New Plan to Change MedicineSeptember 14, 2021
With more than $750 million raised already, the campaign creates a new synergy between Weill Cornell Medicine’s tri-partite mission to care, discover and teach, with a laser focus on three areas.
- Weill Cornell Medicine Establishes Graduate Programs at Houston MethodistFebruary 26, 2021
In an expansion of its top-ranked biomedical education curricula, Weill Cornell Medicine is launching an additional site for graduate programs at Houston Methodist for the 2021-22 academic year.
- Joining the Healthcare Ranks: Graduating During a PandemicMay 21, 2020
The prospect of residency typically brings jitters to newly minted doctors as they prepare to start the next phase of their medical training, and the level and scope of their patient care responsibilities increases. But the transition has become far more complex with numerous unknowns surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- White Coat Ceremony Kicks off Careers for Physician Assistant TraineesMarch 25, 2020
On Feb. 19, Valerio was one of 47 students in the Class of 2022 to earn their short white coats during the annual white coat ceremony.
- Renowned Clinician-Scientist Dr. Barbara Hempstead Awarded Joan and Sanford I. Weill Exemplary Achievement AwardMarch 4, 2020
Dr. Barbara Hempstead, dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, has been awarded Weill Cornell Medicine’s Joan and Sanford I. Weill Exemplary Achievement Award.
- Dr. Yoon Kang Appointed Senior Associate Dean for Medical EducationDecember 18, 2019
Dr. Yoon Kang has been appointed senior associate dean for medical education at Weill Cornell Medicine, effective Dec. 9.
- Weill Cornell Medicine Hosts First-Ever National Conference on Medical Student Mental HealthSeptember 27, 2019
Weill Cornell Medicine hosted the first-ever National Conference on Medical Student Mental Health and Well-Being Sept. 18-19, in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges, Associated Medical Schools of New York and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
- Weill Cornell Graduate School Receives Prestigious Grant to Boost Underrepresented GroupsJuly 10, 2019
The Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences has been awarded a competitive grant from the National Institutes of Health to launch a program dedicated to increasing the number and enhancing the success of doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Dr. Manuel Hidalgo Named Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical CenterMarch 7, 2019
Dr. Manuel Hidalgo, a leading physician-scientist who specializes in pancreatic cancer and drug development, has been named chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology in the Weill Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, effective June 1.
- Dr. Barbara Hempstead Appointed Dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical SciencesJanuary 10, 2019
Dr. Barbara Hempstead, a preeminent physician-scientist, educator and academic leader, has been appointed dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, effective Jan. 14.
Mentoring
- QMQian MaNeuroscience (PhD) · Class of 2016