Overview
Dr. Francis Lee is an accomplished neurobiologist and psychiatrist studying the molecular basis of mood and anxiety disorders, with the goal of understanding why many of them emerge during the transition from childhood to adolescence. By combining basic and translational approaches, Dr. Lee’s discoveries have led to the development of advanced biologically targeted psychiatric diagnostic tools and treatments. He has published nearly 100 original studies in peer-reviewed journals, plus nearly 30 reviews and four book chapters.
Highlights
- 1Translational psychiatry · 2022
- 2Science advances · 2024
- 3Cell reports · 2023
Publications
Funding
Active
6 grants- MPIR01AG078613-02Immunomodulatory Ligand B7-1 Targets p75 Neurotrophin Receptor in NeurodegenerationNational Institute on Aging · 2023–2028
- MPIR01NS126590-01A1Molecular and synaptic mechanisms of neurotrophin-glutamate crosstalkNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2022–2027
- Sub-PIR01DA054368-03Circuit and Synaptic Mechanisms of Endocannabinoid-Opioid CrosstalkNational Institute on Drug Abuse · 2022–2027 · via Temple University· 2 renewals
- KPKL2TR002385-06Clinical and Translational Science Center - KL2National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences · 2022–2027
- PINVF 227517-03A Molecular Framework to Define Slitrk5 Function Related to OCDNew Venture Fund · 2023–2026
- MPIR01MH123154-05Impact of BDNF on the Development of Social Behavior CircuitsNational Institute of Mental Health · 2020–2026
Completed grants (14)
- Co-IW81XWH-18-1-0262A Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Interpersonal Therapy to Exposure Therapy for PTSD Consequent to MST in Male and Female Military Personnel and VeteransU.S. Department of Defense · 2018–2025
- Co-IR01GM130722-01A1Mechanisms of anesthetic-induced synaptic plasticityNational Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2019–2025
- PIAddgene 704766Addgene 704766Addgene, Inc. · 2022–2023
- PIAddgene 704879Addgene 704879Addgene, Inc. · 2022–2023
- PIAddgene 697490Addgene 697490Addgene, Inc. · 2022–2023
- PICU 222856-01Impact of stress on basal forebrain cholinergic neuron development mediating affective and cognitive function (Multi-Investigator Seed Grant)Cornell University · 2022–2022
- MPIR01NS052819-14Functional Analysis of Variant BDNF (Val66Met)National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2015–2021· 2 renewals
- KPW81XWH-10-1-1045 EWOEnhancing Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Virtual Reality and Imaginal Exposure with Cognitive EnhancerU.S. Department of Defense · 2010–2018
- Sub-PIR01HD076914-03 EWOFMechanisms of Developmental Regulation of Affective BehaviorsEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development · 2014–2018 · via New York University - for Migration
- Sub-PIYr 2 of 2 EWOF 2Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Toward Metabolomics Biomarkers for Depressive Disorders and Next-Generation Antidepressant TherapiesRobertson Therapeutic Development Fund · 2014–2017 · via Rockefeller University
- MPIR01NS077897-04Impact of BDNF on Stroke-Induced Plasticity and Motor FunctionNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2012–2017 · via Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research
- Sub-PIR01MH096899-01A1Synaptic Regulation of Affective BehaviorsNational Institute of Mental Health · 2012–2013 · via New York University - for Migration
- PIRC1MH088814-02Molecular Mechanisms of SSRI Action in Childhood and AdolescenceNIMH · 2009–2011 · via NIH RePORTER
Honors & distinctions
- Member · Association of American Physicians · 2018
- Member · National Academy of Medicine · 2016
- Member · American Society for Clinical Investigation · 2009
Available technologies
News mentions
- Reducing Risk of Opioid Addiction While Alleviating PainDecember 2, 2024
Increasing the levels of chemicals naturally produced in the body called endocannabinoids may thwart the highly addictive nature of opioids such as morphine and oxycodone while maintaining the drugs’ ability to relieve pain, according to a new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute Symposium Highlights Progress Towards New TreatmentsDecember 1, 2023
The 11th annual Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute Symposium brought together leading scientists and clinicians in the field to present the latest advances in understanding Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dr. Francis Lee Named Interim Dean of Weill Cornell MedicineNovember 16, 2022
The Cornell Board of Trustees and Weill Cornell Medicine Board of Fellows approved the appointment of Dr. Lee, effective Jan. 1.
- Recognizing Safety Signals May Reduce Fear and AnxietyFebruary 5, 2020
Learning to associate distinct signals with safety has been shown by researchers to reduce fear and anxiety
- 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,
Media highlights
- New York Considers Joining Multi-State Psychologist CompactCapitol Press Room · August 5, 2026
Mentoring
- HMHeidi MeyerPostdoc mentee · 2021–2021
- DGDanielle GerhardPostdoc mentee · since 2020
- JRJames RyanNeuroscience (PhD) · Class of 2022
- SMSilvia MartinelliPostdoc mentee · 2023–2025
- MSMerima SabanovicPostdoc mentee · 2023–2025
External relationships
Other
Kasvu Therapeutics