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Eric J Nestler, MD, PhD
img_Eric J Nestler
DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR FRIEDMAN BRAIN INSTITUTE
PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Psychiatry
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
212-659-5656
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Specialties
Psychiatry
Research Topics
Addiction, Behavioral Health, Depression, Epigenetics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Stress, Synapses, Synaptic Plasticity, Synaptogenesis
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (DMT), Neuroscience [NEU]
Nestler Lab, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry

Specific Clinical/Research Interest: Molecular neurobiology of drug addiction and depression; transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in the brain.

Our research focuses on identifying the neurobiological basis of drug addiction and depression in rodent models. We study the molecular and cellular changes that occur in regions of the brain important for reward and motivation in response to chronic administration of a drug of abuse or chronic exposure to stress. We are particularly interested in long-lasting changes that are mediated via alterations in gene expression and chromatin remodeling. The result of the research will guide future efforts toward the development of more effective treatments for addiction and depression.

Current Team

For a complete list of publications, please visit Selected Publications.

For more, please visit the Nestler Lab.

MD, Yale University School of Medicine

PhD, Yale University

Internship, Psychiatry, McLean Hospital

Residency, Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine

Fellowship, Clinical Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine

Fellowship, Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine

2019

Redelsheimer Distinguished Research Award, Society of Biological Psychiatry

2017

Wilbur Cross Distinguished Alumnus Medal, Yale University

2017

Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award

2010

Sarnat Prize, Institute of Medicine

2005

American Academy of Arts and Science

1998

Institute of Medicine (National Academy of Medicine)

738
Publications

Selected Publications

Transcriptional characterization of cocaine withdrawal versus extinction within nucleus accumbens in male rats. Freddyson J. Martínez-Rivera, Leanne M. Holt, Angélica Minier-Toribio, Molly Estill, Szu Ying Yeh, Solange Tofani, Rita Futamura, Caleb J. Browne, Philipp Mews, Li Shen, Eric J. Nestler. Nature Communications

The biology of addiction. Eric J. Nestler. Science Signaling

Astrocytic G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Drug Addiction. Alexander K. Zinsmaier, Eric J. Nestler, Yan Dong. Engineering

View All Publications

“FIGHTING DEPRESSION”
FBI Cyber Series - Transcriptional and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Addiction by Eric Nestler, MD, PhD
Neurobiology of Drug Addiction Part 2
Neurobiology of Drug Addiction Part 1

Icahn (East) Building Floor 10 Room 10-23

1425 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

212-659-5656

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Nestler during 2024 and/or 2025. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Consulting or Other Professional Services Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership

  • Sparian Biosciences
  • Ellipsis Health
  • BPGbio
  • PSYLO
  • PsychoGenics, Inc.
  • EpiVario

Equity (Stock or stock options valued at greater than 5% ownership of a publicly traded company or equity of any value in a privately held company)

  • BPGbio
  • PsychoGenics, Inc.

Founder/Co-Founder/Partner

  • PsychoGenics, Inc.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.