Professor
Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Richard Deth joined Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale as Professor of Pharmacology in September of 2014, after 38 years as a faculty member at Northeastern University, where he remains as Professor Emeritus. He is a molecular neuroscientist with a research interest in a number of brain disorders, including autism. His laboratory has a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment and changes that occur during aging, as well as the mechanisms which provide the capacity for attention and learning. This work involves an appreciation of unique metabolic features of neurons, especially factors influencing levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and its influence over methylation reactions, including epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation. During the past 10 years at NSU Dr. Deth has continued his earlier investigations of the ability of casein and gluten-derived opioid peptides to impair absorption of the amino acid cysteine, which adversely affects antioxidant levels with epigenetic consequences. His current research is focused on the role of oxidative stress in promoting inflammation and the ability of cobinamide, a naturally occurring vitamin B12 precursor, to suppress inflammation.