Future Leaders in Pain Research

2012 Grant Recipient: Ohannes K. Melemedjian, PhD

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Mechanisms of Dysfunctional Mitochondria Evoked Pain

Please state which institution you are currently conducting research.

 I am currently conducting my research in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Arizona.

How did receiving the Future Leaders in Pain Research Grant impact your career in pain research?

 The receipt of the Future Leaders in Pain Research Grant has provided me with the resources that I needed to develop an independent research direction and generated preliminary data that I anticipate to use to obtain other awards.

What is your current research focus? Briefly describe the importance of this work and how it advances the APS goals, mission, and your own personal development.

 Mitochondria are the bioenergetic and metabolic hub of cells with a multitude of specialized functions that regulate fundamental and essential cellular processes. Moreover, disruption of mitochondrial function often leads to the development of chronic pain conditions. My current research focusses on uncovering the role of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism in the development and maintenance of chronic pain states. This work is in alignment with the APS mission where the knowledge gained from these studies may lead to the development of novel therapeutics, potentially reducing pain-related suffering in humans.

Are you still an APS member? If yes, do you feel that it has been of value to your professional development?

 As a current member of APS I feel that the society has been crucial for my development as a scientist and has provided networking opportunities that have proved critical for the advancement of my career.