Robert C. Malenka, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Malenka is interested in the relationship among synaptic transmission, learning, and memory. For the past 10 years he has conducted research on various forms of synaptic plasticity. In particular he has focused on molecular events that generate synaptic plasticity and alterations in synaptic proteins that cause long term changes in synaptic efficacy. This work has been linked to explorations of molecular mechanisms involved in chronic drug abuse and related tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Positions

• Pritzker Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
• Director, Nancy Friend Pritzker Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine

Education

• M.D., 1983, Stanford University School of Medicine
• Ph.D., 1983, Stanford University School of Medicine, Neuroscience

Relevant Publications

• Biou V, Bhattacharyya S, Malenka RC. Endocytosis and recycling of AMPA receptors lacking GluR2/3. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008;105(3):1038-1043.
• Citri A, Malenka RC. Synaptic plasticity: multiple forms, functions, and mechanisms. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008;33(1):18-41.
• Morishita W, Malenka RC. Mechanisms underlying dedepression of synaptic NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. J Neurophysiol. 2008;99(1):254-263.\
• Kauer JA, Malenka RC. Synaptic plasticity and addiction. Nat Rev. 2007;8(11):844-858.
• Singla S, Kreitzer AC, Malenka RC. Mechanisms for synapse specificity during striatal long-term depression. J Neurosci. 2007;27(19):5260-5264.

Contributed Content

• A Creative Process
• Different Management Styles
• Different Ways of Balancing
• Don't Take It Personally
• Efficient Use of Time
• Generating a Salary
• Make the Grant Look Pretty
• Not Sure What I Wanted to Do
• Running a Basic Science Lab
• Still Learning How to Interview
• The Hardest Task