Welcome to the Tajerian Lab!
Research Areas
Below are some of the projects our lab has been working on. See anything you like? Get in touch to see how you can collaborate with our team or join our lab!
The extracellular interface of neuron-glia interactions
The brain extracellular matrix plays a key role in chronic pain. We examine the extracellular regulation of neuron-glia crosstalk, in vivo and in vitro, using various biophysical (AFM, SEM) and biochemical (IHC, single-cell western blotting) tools.
Neurocognitive changes in chronic pain conditions
Pain is more than nociception. Experiencing chronic pain is often associated with alterations in mood and memory function. We study these changes in mice using complex behavioral paradigms.
Chronic Pain and autoimmunity
Chronic pain can involve autoimmune mechanisms as evidenced by auto-antibody deposition in central and peripheral tissues. We are currently studying the autoimmune contribution to pain-related brain plasticity using advanced biochemical tools.
Funding for Research and Training
We believe in providing the public with the sources for our lab funds. Below is the list of grants and awards that keep the Tajerian lab running. Travel awards, honoraria, and institutional start-up funds are not included.
Research grants
1. Source of Funding: PSC-CUNY 62152-00 50
Title of Project: The Hippocampal Extracellular Matrix Regulates Glia-Neuron Crosstalk
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 07/01/2019 – 06/30/2022
2. Source of Funding: NIH 5SC2GM135114
Title of Project: Hippocampal Extracellular Matrix Regulates Glia-Neuron Crosstalk after Injury
Role on Project: PD/PI
Dates of Approved Project: 09/10/2020 – 07/31/2023
3. Source of Funding: PSC-CUNY 64724-00 52
Title of Project: Circulating Autoantibodies Direct Autoimmune Mechanisms of Brain Plasticity in CRPS
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 07/01/2021 – 06/30/2023
4. Source of Funding: Advanced Science Research Center Collaborative Seed Grant Program
Title of Project: MALDI MS imaging in de-cellularized brain tissues: Technical advances and applications in the context of preclinical models of pathology
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 05/01/2024 – 08/31/2026
5. Source of Funding: NIH R16NS140306
Title of Project: Brain Vascular Plasticity in the Context of Peripheral Painful Trauma
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 04/01/2024-03/31/2028
6. Source of Funding: Queens College Foundation Research Enhancement Award
Title of Project: Development of a Multivariable Pain and Inflammation Testing Device for Mice
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 11/05/2024-05/31/2025
Training grants
1. Source of Funding: NIH 5R25GM065096
Title of Project: Queensborough Community College Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program
Role on Project: Multiple PD/PI
Dates of Approved Project: 09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023
2. Source of Funding: NIH 5T34GM137858
Title of Project: Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program at LaGuardia Community College
Role on Project: Multiple PD/PI
Dates of Approved Project: 08/01/2020 – 07/31/2025
3. Source of Funding: NIH 1T34GM149475
Title of Project: U-RISE at Queens College, CUNY
Role on Project: Multiple PD/PI
Dates of Approved Project: 04/2023 – 03/2028
Equipment grants
1. Source of funding: CUNY Graduate Research Technology Initiative (GRTI)
Title of Project: A Single-Cell Western Platform as part of an advanced proteomics workflow
Role on Project: PI
Dates of Approved Project: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023
2.Source of Funding: NSF 2215946
Title of Project: MRI: Acquisition of a Zeiss LSM900 Confocal Microscope with Airyscan 2 to Accelerate Multidisciplinary Research and Training
Role on Project: Senior Personnel (PD/PI, Cathy Savage-Dunn)
Dates of Approved Project: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2025
