James Orfila, PhD

About

Biography

Raised in South Texas (Laredo), attended the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to pursue a degree in Neurobiology. As a graduate student, I focused on understanding the mechanisms of memory formation, utilizing In-Vitro and In-Vivo extracellular field recordings to investigate synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP), a well-established cellular model of learning and memory. During my post-doctoral training and faculty position at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, I focused on basic translational research. My studies utilized neurophysiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, histology, and neurobehavior to elucidate the mechanisms of neuronal injury resulting from both global and focal cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among adults, resulting in significant consequences, including memory deficits. Despite extensive research efforts, there are currently no pharmacological treatments available that effectively enhance functional cognitive recovery after TBI. My lab is focused on studying the effects of TBI on memory acquisition and retrieval, considering factors such as gender and age. We employ a combination of electrophysiological, behavioral, and molecular approaches to investigate the cellular mechanisms that contribute to impaired hippocampal function, an area that is crucial for memory storage and retrieval. To translate our findings from basic research into practical applications, we are exploring viral-mediated gene therapy as a therapeutic strategy targeting specific pathways identified in our animal studies.

Credentials

Research