Patricia McLaughlin, MS, DEd

Dr. McLaughlin and her team research several pathways related to dysregulation of the Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) – Opioid Growth Factor Receptor (OGFr) axis that was discovered by her and her colleagues 30 years ago. Dr. McLaughlin’s funded research is translational combining clinical studies and preclinical lab work. The research focuses on investigating the OGF-OGFr axis, a biological pathway regulating cell proliferative events and understanding the mechanisms of action, as well as methods of modulation directed towards improving patient health. Each facet of this regulatory pathway involving elevated or depressed OGF or OGFr has led to translational studies and treatments. Current research is investigating pathways related to the onset and progression of dry eye disease in Type 1 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease with an emphasis on reactive oxygen stress and inflammation, and a topical treatment that quickly and safely reverses dry eye. Two other projects explore the role of blockade of OGFr with FDA-approved antagonists on treatment of multiple sclerosis and topical treatment of full–thickness cutaneous wounds in type 1 diabetes.

Dr. McLaughlin has more than 330 publications, 10 patent portfolios with 20 issued national and international patents, as well as 3 start-up companies. She has served as advisor for 25 MS/PhD students, more than 30 medical students, and currently has an active schedule as the course director and lecturer of 4 anatomy courses, and co-director of a core BMS course.

Dr. McLaughlin is a Distinguished University Professor and Distinguished Educator in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics. She is Chair/Director of the Graduate Program in Anatomy and a faculty member of Graduate Programs in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences (BMS).