Catherine Marcinkiewcz

Catherine Marcinkiewcz, Ph.D., M.S.

Associate Professor

Department: Cellular and Systems Pharmacology
Business Phone: (352) 594-1403
Business Email: saffron@ufl.edu

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About Catherine Marcinkiewcz

Catherine Marcinkiewcz, Ph.D., M.S., joined the UF College of Pharmacy in May 2025. Her lab is currently addressing fundamental questions in neurobiology that have direct relevance for human disease. For instance, how do genes interact with the environment to shape circuit function and behavior in neurological disorders and how can we harness that knowledge to develop more effective treatments? The serotonin system is the central focus of the lab, given its complex role in human psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. We are currently investigating how environmental factors like stress, alcohol, and the use of antidepressant drugs can alter serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe and their efferent projections, and how this contributes to stress-related disorders and neurodegenerative disease

Teaching Profile

Courses Taught

  1. GMS7794 – Neuroscience Seminar

    College of Medicine

  2. PHA6512L – Experiential Research Training in Pharmacodynamics

    College of Pharmacy

  3. PHA6521C – Research Techniques in Pharmacodynamics

    College of Pharmacy

Publications

Academic Articles

  1. Impact of adolescent ethanol binge on serotonin signaling and pain sensitivity post-withdrawal.

    Journal
    Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.).
    Volume/Issue
    129:58-68
    [DOI]
    10.1016/j.alcohol.2025.09.001.
    [PMID]
    40939668.
  2. The superficial tufted and mitral cell output neurons of the mouse olfactory bulb have dual roles in insulin sensing.

    Journal
    bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology.
    [DOI]
    10.1101/2025.04.15.648999.
    [PMID]
    40666896.
  3. Mechanistic intersections between migraine and major depressive disorder.

    Journal
    The journal of headache and pain.
    Volume/Issue
    26(1)
    [DOI]
    10.1186/s10194-025-02097-x.
    [PMID]
    40634879.
  4. Involvement of a serotonin/GLP-1 circuit in adolescent isolation-induced diabetes.

    Journal
    bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology.
    [DOI]
    10.1101/2023.06.12.544498.
    [PMID]
    37398179.
  5. Modulation of OCT3 expression by stress, and antidepressant-like activity of decynium-22 in an animal model of depression.

    Journal
    Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior.
    Volume/Issue
    131:33-41
    [DOI]
    10.1016/j.pbb.2015.01.004.
    [PMID]
    25597272.
  6. Corticotropin-releasing factor within the central nucleus of the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens shell mediates the negative affective state of nicotine withdrawal in rats.

    Journal
    Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
    Volume/Issue
    34(7):1743-52
    [DOI]
    10.1038/npp.2008.231.
    [PMID]
    19145226.
  7. Social defeat stress potentiates thermal sensitivity in operant models of pain processing.

    Journal
    Brain research.
    Volume/Issue
    1251:112-20
    [DOI]
    10.1016/j.brainres.2008.11.042.
    [PMID]
    19059227.
  8. The effects of buprenorphine on fentanyl withdrawal in rats.

    Journal
    Psychopharmacology.
    Volume/Issue
    191(4):931-41
    [PMID]
    17211652.

Grants

  1. Alcohol-Induced Metabolome-Epigenome Dysfunction and Alzheimers Disease Risk

    Active

    Role:
    Other
    Funding:
    NATL INST OF HLTH NIAAA
  2. Alcohol and the Serotonin System in the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

    Active

    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding:
    NATL INST OF HLTH NIAAA
  3. Sleep and affective disturbances in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease

    Active

    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding:
    NATL INST OF HLTH NIA
  4. Alcohol Use as a Moderating Factor in Serotonergic Neurodegeneration in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

    Active

    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding:
    US ARMY MED RES ACQUISITION

Contact Details

Phones:
Business:
(352) 594-1403
Emails:
Business:
saffron@ufl.edu
Addresses:
Business Mailing:
PO Box 100487
GAINESVILLE FL 32610
Business Street:
1345 CENTER DR
GAINESVILLE FL 32611