PsySTAR at University of Glasgow

Dr Jonathan Cavanagh

Reader in Psychiatry (Mental Health and Wellbeing)
MB, ChB, MPhil, MRCPsych, MD
Email jonathan.cavanagh@glasgow.ac.uk 
Telephone 0141 201-2496 
Link to CV     

Dr Cavanagh's research is focused on understanding the interplay between immune dysfunction and the neurobiology of stress-related disorder, such as Major Depressive Disorder, and the subsequent impact on health and wellbeing.

Dr Cavanagh leads a research group that is exploring potential neurobiological mechanism that aims to link inflammatory diseases and major depressive disorder. In collaboration with colleagues in the Institute of Immunity , Infection and Inflammation (Professors Iain McInnes and Gerry Graham), this collaboration  conducted the first study showing direct action of a proinflammatory cytokine (TNFα) on the serotonin transporter (key site of antidepressant action). A current key focus is the translational research on  chemokine/cytokine biology as a key component of the pathophysiology of depression. Two PhD students are currently working on this area. Clinical studies involve two other PhD students who are exploring the neurobiology of stress – specifically in relation to allostatic load – and inflammatory response. Using multi-modal neuroimaging technologies, the group is using this inflammatory angle to explore allostatic load and its impact on monoamine and neuroendocrine function in humans in a variety of contexts. Clinical studies are also exploring the impact of maternal stress and wellbeing on early life neurodevelopment using neonatal neuoimaging. Dr Cavanagh is also part of the PSOBID research consortium (Glasgow Centre for Population Health-funded) and the group is currently examining the effects of chronic stress in the form of socioeconomic deprivation on the adult brain. Again this uses neuroimaging, neuropsychology, clinical measure and peripheral biomarkers.