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Dr. Xinzhong Dong is an Associate Professor in The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He received his BA in Chemistry from the College of Holy Cross and his PhD in Biological Chemistry for the University of California, Los Angeles. Dong first began studying sensory biology as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. In the lab of HHMI investigator David Anderson, Dong searched for genes that were expressed only in sensory nerves, expecting they would likely have important roles in those cells. He identified genes responsible for a family of about 50 protein receptors, known as Mrg receptors, that are expressed in mice only in dorsal root ganglion neurons. 

Dr. Dong's current work is focused on uncovering the function of these genes by combining genetic and behavioral studies in mice with electrophysiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to reveal how signals triggered by the Mrg receptors are processed as they travel from the skin to the spinal cord. His recent studies have shown that these receptors play a role in certain kinds of itch sensations. Dr. Dong is also pursuing the relationship between itch and pain sensations. Some pain relievers, such as morphine, can have itchy side effects. And the pain caused by scratching can make an itch subside, at least temporarily. This antagonistic relationship is not well understood, but Dong hopes that a better understanding of the sensory pathways will illuminate where this effect occurs.

Lunch will be provided.

Hosted by: Lei Lei, Ph.D.