Glenn M. Toney appointed head of medical physiology at School of Medicine

Texas A&M University School of Medicine has appointed Glenn M. Toney, PhD, FAHA, FAPS, as the new department head for medical physiology.

Toney began his academic pursuits at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in physics and zoology. His doctoral endeavors commenced in 1988 in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. During this period, Toney focused on recently identified angiotensin II receptor subtypes. Notably, he was among the first to demonstrate that the type I (AT1), rather than type II (AT2) receptor, predominantly regulates the neuronal chronotropic effects of angiotensin II.

In 1992, Toney began postdoctoral training in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). During this tenure, he secured a National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award, facilitating his investigation into synaptic plasticity mechanisms among brainstem autonomic neurons. His findings illuminated the temporal dynamics of somatic and visceral afferent inputs, elucidating their occlusive synaptic interactions and their implications for cardiovascular responses to pain and dynamic exercise.

In 1998, Toney assumed the role of assistant professor in the Department of Physiology at UTHSCSA , receiving tenure in 2003 and advancing to full professor in 2008.

During his career spanning more than 25 years as a faculty member and principal investigator, Toney has sustained a robust research portfolio, continually supported by NIH R01 and P01 grants, augmented by substantial backing from the American Heart Association. He co-founded the Neurogenic Cardiovascular Diseases Consortium, an initiative to advance research into the neurological underpinnings of prevalent cardiovascular diseases. Toney’s scholarly contributions extend to his service as chair of NIH study sections and serving on the editorial boards of prestigious journals such as the American Journal of Physiology (Heart & Circulation), Journal of Neurophysiology, and Frontiers in Physiology. Additionally, he fulfilled successive terms as an associate and senior editor for the Journal of Physiology (London).

“I am honored, humbled and overjoyed by the opportunity to join Texas A&M University School of Medicine and collaborate with esteemed colleagues,” Toney said. “I appreciate all involved in the selection process, which has enabled this new chapter of my career. With the support vested by Dean Waer, I am confident that, in concert with colleagues across the School of Medicine, the Department of Medical Physiology will thrive, furthering its distinguished legacy of pioneering research in physiological sciences and enhancing its national and international acclaim as a nexus of research innovation.”

Toney’s research endeavors encompass diverse domains, including synaptic physiology, neurogenic hypertension, anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid-induced respiratory depression. In conjunction with multiple collaborative NIH grants, Toney spearheads three NIH R01 grants through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Acknowledgements are extended to the search committee, chaired by Farida Sohrabji, PhD, for their exemplary efforts in the selection process. Appreciation is also extended to Dave Zawieja, PhD, the outgoing department head, for his invaluable contributions.