Charles Greer, Ph.D.
Vice Chairman for Research
Dr. Greer is a Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Neurosurgery and Section of Neurobiology, and Vice Chairman for Research in Neurosurgery. He received his Ph.D. in the neurosciences from the University of Colorado in 1978. Following postdoctoral studies in the Department of Physiology and Section of Neurobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, he joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience in the Sections of Neurosurgery and Neurobiology in 1983. Dr. Greer is internationally recognized for his work on local synaptic circuit organization in the olfactory system and the capacity of the nervous system for plasticity. Dr. Greer also serves as the Co-director of the Interdepartmental Neurosciences Graduate Program for Yale University.

Dr. Greer directs the Neurosurgery Research Laboratories as well as serving as Program Director of the Spinal Cord Research Program. In these capacities, Dr. Greer draws together the resources of multiple investigators, using techniques ranging from molecular to systems analysis, to explore the parameters of injury and recovery in the central nervous system. Beyond the resources available in the Neurosurgery Research Laboratories, these programs also integrate faculty from the Department of Neurology.

Dr Greer's research laboratory is focused on understanding the organization of pathways and projections in the central nervous system and the mechanisms that underlie the establishment of synaptic specificity within circuits. The techniques employed include both in vivo and in vitro models, confocal and electron microscopy, and computational modeling. The program of research is unique because they have been able to identify and begin characterizing specific pathways in the brain that appear to utilize unique molecular markers for establishing functionally defined projections and synaptic connections. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the establishment of specificity plus plasticity is likely to contribute significantly to the conceptual development of strategies that can be used to treat neurodegenerative and trauma disorders. For example, understanding the cellular environment that supports the replacement and axonal growth of neurons in the olfactory system has high potential impact on spinal cord injury where the inability of severed axons to reestablish appropriate connections is the major impediment to recovery of function. Similarly, neurodegenerative disorders could be treated more effectively through transplants providing we can increase our understanding of the molecular substrates that underlie the precise targeting of axons in the central nervous system.

Dr. Charles Greer can be reached at 203-785-2597
or email to charles.greer@yale.edu

Neurosurgery Faculty/Program Menu

Department of Neurosurgery address and phone number

http://info.yale.med.edu/surgery/neurosur/greer.html
credits