Dr. Paul L. Durham

Biography

Dr. Paul Durham is distinguished professor of biology and director of Missouri State University's Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, a multidisciplinary laboratory that utilizes cellular/molecular, microbiological, biochemical and chemical techniques. A primary goal of his research is to determine the signaling pathways by which inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents control neuropeptide gene expression in disorders involving the trigeminal nerve.

Currently, he is studying the regulation of protein expression in cultured nerve and glial cells, human cell lines, in vivo animal models and clinical studies. A major focus of his research has been to elucidate the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which novel drugs and nutraceuticals modulate the excitability state of neurons and glial cells under pathological conditions in models of migraine, TMJ disorder and epilepsy. More recently, his laboratory has been investigating epigenetic mechanisms and changes in gut microbiota in response to changes in diet, sleep pattern, stress and chronic inflammation.

Durham is frequently invited as a guest lecturer. He has authored or co-authored 80 peer-reviewed research publications, numerous book chapters and technical reports, and 160 published abstracts. He has received nearly $14 million in external grants to support his research. In addition,  Durham has served on numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections and advisory boards, and is currently a reviewer for 15 different journals. 

Details

Education

• PhD, Anatomy and Cell Biology, 1994, University of Iowa
• MS, Plant Biochemistry, 1989, University of Iowa
• BS, Biology/Philosophy, 1984, St. Ambrose University

Teaching

• BIO 320 Molecular Cell Biology (lecture)
• BIO 121 General Biology I (lecture)

Research and professional interests

• Calcitonin gene-related peptide
• Chronic pain
• Gut health
• Migraines
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder

Other interests

• American Association for the Advancement of Science: Member
• American Headache Society: Member
• American Pain Society: Member
• American Academy of Orofacial Pain: Executive Committee Member
• Frontiers, Neurology: Editorial Board Member
• Society for Neuroscience: Member

Awards and honors

Additional resources

• Curriculum Vitae
• ResearchGate
• Mind's Eye Research - Seeking treatment for brain’s ‘perfect storm’
• Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences

Area of expertise

Media appearances

Paul Durham, PhD: Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
NeurologyLive
09/04/2019
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham discusses the findings of a model of nVNS.

Paul Durham, PhD: A Combination Approach With nVNS in Migraine
NeurologyLive
09/06/2019
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham discusses the use of nVNS in migraine treatment.

MSU Scientists Test New Device that Could Help End the Opioid Epidemic
KY3
11/27/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham shares about the research.

Personalized Nutrition & Gut Health: 5 Important Facts Worth Knowing
Forbes
10/25/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham highlights the importance of gut health to overall health.

Reducing Opioid Use through VNS
KSMU Radio
10/30/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham shares how VNS helps with reducing dependence on opioids.

How Natural Substances Can Tip Scales in Favor of Your Health
KSMU Radio
07/03/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham shares why natural substances are good for your health.

Childhood Trauma and Chronic Pain: What's the Relationship?
KSMU Radio
03/13/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham explains the link between childhood trauma and chronic pain.

Natural Relief in Sight for Migraine Sufferers
KSMU Radio
01/30/2018
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham shares how to treat migraines naturally.

When Gene Manipulation is Warranted
Joplin Independent
04/17/2016
Scientist Dr. Paul Durham addresses gene manipulation.

Videos