Paul J Kenny, PhD
img_Paul J Kenny
PROFESSOR & CHAIR | Neuroscience
DIRECTOR, DRUG DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
Research Topics
Addiction, Behavior, Brain, Drug Design and Discovery, Epigenetics, Gene Expressions, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Obesity, Schizophrenia
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (DMT), Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]
The Kenny Laboratory is driven by a central goal: to unravel the brain mechanisms that underlie addiction, obesity, and schizophrenia. We are particularly interested in how distributed brain networks shape motivation, decision-making, and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric illness. Our research integrates a multidisciplinary and technology-forward approach. We use sophisticated behavioral paradigms, including artificial intelligence–driven platforms that enable high-throughput quantification of behavior. These analyses are complemented by modern molecular tools, such as viral vector-mediated gene transfer and CRISPR-based genome editing, which allow us to manipulate and monitor specific genes and neural circuits in vivo. To gain insight into the cellular architectures underlying brain disorders, we employ next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, to map gene expression and cell states across diverse brain regions. In parallel, we utilize unbiased whole-brain activity mapping strategies, such as cFos-based whole-brain imaging and tissue clearing techniques, to identify the neural networks engaged by drugs of abuse and other neuropsychiatric stressors. By combining systems-level discovery with mechanistic precision, our work aims to reveal novel therapeutic targets for treating some of the most complex and debilitating brain disorders. The lab offers a dynamic and collaborative environment for highly motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to explore big questions using cutting-edge tools in neuroscience. 
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BA, Trinity College Dublin

PhD, University of London

2025

Jacobi Medallion (2025)

The Mount Sinai Alumni Association and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

2020

Annual Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Disease

Ochsner Health

2018

Daniel H. Efron Research Award

American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP)

2015

Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award

Neuroscience Ireland

2012

Mathilde Solowey Lecture Award in the Neurosciences

Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences

2010

Jacob P. Waletzky Memorial Award

Society for Neuroscience

Publications

Selected Publications

Chronic stress drives depression by disrupting cellular housekeeping. Alberto Corona, Paul J. Kenny. Nature

The single-cell opioid responses in the context of HIV (SCORCH) consortium. Seth A. Ament, Rianne R. Campbell, Mary Kay Lobo, Joseph P. Receveur, Kriti Agrawal, Alejandra Borjabad, Siddappa N. Byrareddy, Linda Chang, Declan Clarke, Prashant Emani, Dana Gabuzda, Kyle J. Gaulton, Michelle Giglio, Federico M. Giorgi, Busra Gok, Chittibabu Guda, Eran Hadas, Brian R. Herb, Wen Hu, Anita Huttner, Mohammad R. Ishmam, Michelle M. Jacobs, Jennifer Kelschenbach, Dong Wook Kim, Cheyu Lee, Shuhui Liu, Xiaokun Liu, Bertha K. Madras, Anup A. Mahurkar, Deborah C. Mash, Eran A. Mukamel, Meng Niu, Richard M. O’Connor, Chelsea M. Pagan, Alina P.S. Pang, Piya Pillai, Vez Repunte-Canonigo, W. Brad Ruzicka, Jay Stanley, Timothy Tickle, Shang Yi A. Tsai, Allen Wang, Lauren Wills, Alyssa M. Wilson, Susan N. Wright, Siwei Xu, Junchen Yang, Maryam Zand, Le Zhang, Jing Zhang, Schahram Akbarian, Shilpa Buch, Christine S. Cheng, Michael J. Corley, Howard S. Fox, Mark Gerstein, Suryaram Gummuluru, Myriam Heiman, Ya Chi Ho, Manolis Kellis, Paul J. Kenny, Yuval Kluger, Teresa A. Milner, David J. Moore, Susan Morgello, Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu, Tariq M. Rana, Pietro Paolo Sanna, John S. Satterlee, Nenad Sestan, Stephen A. Spector, Serena Spudich, Hagen U. Tilgner, David J. Volsky, Owen R. White, Dionne W. Williams, Hongkui Zeng. Molecular Psychiatry

Precise 3D Localization of Intracerebral Implants Using a Simple Brain Clearing Method. Julien Catanese, Tatsuya C. Murakami, Adam Catto, Paul J. Kenny, Ines Ibañez-Tallon. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience

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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.

Dr. Kenny has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

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