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Alexander Friedman

Email: afriedt@mit.edu

Photo of Alexander

Alexander joins the Graybiel lab with a PhD in Neuroscience from the Bar Ilan University, where he studied representations of depression and addiction in the brain. Now at the Graybiel lab, he pursues the neuronal decoding of decision making. Currently, he employs multi-electrode recordings, voltametry, optogenetics and brain imaging to explore relations between decision making and stress, as well as their representation in the striatum and its related circuits. The analysis of the simultaneous neuronal recording requires the development of innovative mathematical tools. In Graybiel lab Alexander develop novel approaches for data analysis and modeling.

Education:
2010-2014: Post-doctorate training. Advisor: Ann M Graybiel, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, USA.
2005-2010: Ph.D. (Summa Cum Laude). Advisors: Gal Yadid and Moshe Abeles, Brain research center, Bar- Ilan University, Israel.

2000-2004: B.A. (Magna Cum Laude), Computer Science. Advisors: Yzi Sandler and Yaakov Friedman, Jerusalem College of Technology, Israel.

Academic Positions and Teaching Experience:
2014-Present: Research Scientist, Ann M Graybiel lab, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, USA.
2009-2010: Lecturer, Dept. of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, JCT, Israel. Courses: General Chemistry.
2005-2010: Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Life Science, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
Courses: Systems physiology, Zoology, Bio-Statistics.
2003-2004: Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, JCT, Israel. Courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry.

Selected Publications:
1. Gazit T, et al. (2015) Programmed deep brain stimulation synchronizes VTA gamma band field potential and alleviates depressive-like behavior in rats. Neuropharmacology 91:135-141.
2. Friedman A, Keselman MD, Gibb LG, & Graybiel AM (2015) A multistage mathematical approach to automated clustering of high-dimensional noisy data. PNAS.
3. Friedman A, et al. (2015) A Corticostriatal Path Targeting Striosomes Controls Decision-Making under Conflict. Cell in press.
4. Lax E, et al. (2013) Neurodegeneration of lateral habenula efferent fibers after intermittent cocaine administration: implications for deep brain stimulation. Neuropharmacology 75:246-254.
5. Dikshtein Y, et al. (2013) beta-endorphin via the delta opioid receptor is a major factor in the incubation of cocaine craving. Neuropsychopharmacology 38(12):2508-2514.
6. Friedman A, Lax E, Abraham L, Tischler H, & Yadid G (2012) Abnormality of VTA local field potential in an animal model of depression was restored by patterned DBS treatment. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 22(1):64-71.
7. Friedman A, Shaldubina A, Flaumenhaft Y, Weizman A, & Yadid G (2011) Monitoring of circadian rhythms of heart rate, locomotor activity, and temperature for diagnosis and evaluation of response to treatment in an animal model of depression. J Mol Neurosci 43(3):303-308.
8. Friedman A, et al. (2011) Electrical stimulation of the lateral habenula produces an inhibitory effect on sucrose self-administration. Neuropharmacology 60(2-3):381-387.
9. Friedman A, et al. (2010) Electrical stimulation of the lateral habenula produces enduring inhibitory effect on cocaine seeking behavior. Neuropharmacology 59(6):452-459.
10. Roth-Deri I, et al. (2009) Antidepressant treatment facilitates dopamine release and drug seeking behavior in a genetic animal model of depression. Eur J Neurosci 30(3):485-492.
11. Friedman A, et al. (2009) Early prediction of the effectiveness of antidepressants: inputs from an animal model. J Mol Neurosci 39(1-2):256-261.
12. Friedman A, et al. (2009) Programmed acute electrical stimulation of ventral tegmental area alleviates depressive-like behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 34(4):1057-1066.
13. Yadid G & Friedman A (2008) Dynamics of the dopaminergic system as a key component to the understanding of depression. Prog Brain Res 172:265-286.
14. Maayan R, et al. (2008) The effect of DHEA complementary treatment on heroin addicts participating in a rehabilitation program: a preliminary study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 18(6):406-413.
15. Friedman A, Friedman Y, Dremencov E, & Yadid G (2008) VTA dopamine neuron bursting is altered in an animal model of depression and corrected by desipramine. J Mol Neurosci 34(3):201-209.
16. Friedman A, et al. (2007) Decoding of dopaminergic mesolimbic activity and depressive behavior. J Mol Neurosci 32(1):72-79.
17. Friedman A, et al. (2005) Variability of the mesolimbic neuronal activity in a rat model of depression. Neuroreport 16(5):513-516.

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