Tomás R. Guilarte, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board, Member
Tomás R. Guilarte, PhD

Tomás R. Guilarte, PhD

Columbia University

Scientific Profile

Areas of Specialty: Dr. Guilarte specializes in neurotoxicology, neuroimaging, and environmentally-induced neurological diseases.

Research and Clinical Activities: Dr. Guilarte currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Columbia University School of Public Health. Dr. Guilarte uses behavioral, cellular, and molecular approaches to elucidate the effects of heavy metal exposure on the developing brain, focusing specifically on the molecular mechanisms by which lead (Pb) impairs cognitive function. His laboratory is working to validate and apply an in vivo biomarker of brain injury that may assess the effects of environmental chemicals on the central nervous system, permitting assessment of the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Guilarte is recognized worldwide for revealing the effects of low level lead exposure on the central nervous system during development and subsequently developing therapies to reverse these neurodegenerative effects. Dr. Guilarte has written over 250 articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and has presented over 80 seminars and lectures. Dr. Guilarte’s vast experience in the field of neurotoxicology brings refined expertise to the SmartTots Scientific Advisory Board.

SmartTots

Scientific Advisory Board, Member

Columbia University

Professor and Chair, Department of Environmental Health Sciences

Education

Johns Hopkins University – PhD, Environmental Health (1980)
University of Florida – MS, Medical Physics (1976)
University of Florida – BS, Zoology (1974)

Training

Research Assistant, Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health (1980-1981)
Graduate Assistant, Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health (1978-1980)

Professional Affiliations

  • Manganese Health Research Program, Steering Committee
  • Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
  • Society for Molecular Imaging
  • International Neurotoxicology Association
  • International Behavioral Neuroscience Society
  • Society of Toxicology
  • Society for Neuroscience
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • Delta Omega National Public Health Honorary Society

Honors and Achievements

  • Award for Best Abstract, Neurotoxicology Specialty Section, Society of Toxicology 46th Annual Meeting (2007)
  • Top Ten Abstract, Neurotoxicology Specialty Section, Society of Toxicology 45th Annual Meeting (2006)
  • First Prize – Scientific Poster, Scientific Week in the Klinikum Steglitz of the Free University of Berlin (1993)

Selected Publications

Guilarte TR. Prenatal lead exposure and schizophrenia: further evidence and more neurobiological connections. Environ Health Perspect 2009;117(5):A190-1.

Guilarte TR, Chen MK. Manganese inhibits NMDA receptor channel function: implications for psychiatric and cognitive deficits. Neurotoxicology 2007;28(6):1147-52.

Verina T, Rohde CA, Guilarte TR. Environmental Pb2+ exposure in early life alters granule cell neurogenesis and morphology in the hippocampus of young adult rats. Neuroscience 2007;145(3):1037-47.

Toscano CD, Guilarte TR. Lead neurotoxicity: from exposure to molecular effects. Brain Res 2005;49(3):529-54.

Guilarte TR, Toscano CD, McGlothan JL, Weaver SA. Environmental enrichment reverses cognitive and molecular deficits induced by developmental lead exposure. Ann Neurol 3002;53(1):50-6.

Kuhlmann AC, Guilarte TR. Regional and temporal expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in MPTP neurotoxicity. Toxicol Sci 1999;48(1):107-16.

Kuhlmann AC, Guilarte TR. The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor is a sensitive indicator of domoic acid neurotoxicity. Brain Res 1997;751(2):381-8.

Guilarte TR. Glutamatergic system and developmental lead neurotoxicity.Neurotoxicology 1997;18(3);665-72.

Guilarte TR, Kuhlmann AC, O’Callaghan JP, Miceli RC. Enhanced expression of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in trimethltin-exposed rat brain: a biomarker of neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 1995;16(3):441-50.

Guilarte TR, Miceli RC, Jett DA. Neurochemical aspects of hippocampal and cortical Pb2+ neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 1994;15(3):459-66.