A5061667512- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Ion channel regulation and function
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study
- Retinal Development and Disorders
- Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
- Neuroscience and Music Perception
- Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds
- Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures
- Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma
- Muscle Physiology and Disorders
- Ion Channels and Receptors
- Neonatal and fetal brain pathology
- Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications
- Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies
University of Utah
2009-2024
Rockefeller University
2006
University of California, San Francisco
1985-2006
University of Utah Hospital
2004
Massachusetts General Hospital
2004
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
1995
University of California, Berkeley
1987-1988
Brown University
1983
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) activates a variety of second messenger signaling systems and through them indirectly regulates the function ion channels. Serotonin also channels directly, suggesting that it may mediate rapid, excitatory responses. A complementary DNA clone containing coding sequence one these rapidly responding channels, 5HT3 subtype receptor, has been isolated by screening neuroblastoma expression library for functional serotonin-gated currents in Xenopus oocytes....
The serotonin 5-HT3 receptor subtype has been implicated in many brain functions. Antagonists of this have anxiolytic and antiemetic effects humans animal models. To determine with cellular resolution the distribution mRNA, situ hybridization was performed sections mouse dorsal root ganglia. Scattered labeled cells were observed throughout cortical regions, highest densities piriform, cingulate, entorhinal areas. Strong signals seen hippocampal formation, where expression appeared primarily...
Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of methamphetamine on performance rats in two timing tasks. When food sometimes followed first response after T sec a signal, rate increased peak near and then declined. Methamphetamine decreased time (Experiments 1 2). one (called "short response") was reinforced following short signal different (a "long long (where signals 4, 2 8, or 4 16 sec), probability as function duration. The point indifference (50% response) occurred geometric...
Area-restricted search (ARS) is a foraging strategy used by many animals to locate resources. The behavior characterized time-dependent reduction in turning frequency after the last resource encounter. This maximizes time spent areas which resources are abundant and extends larger area when become scarce. We demonstrate that dopaminergic glutamatergic signaling contribute neural circuit controlling ARS nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . Ablation of neurons eliminated behavior, as did...
In almost all nervous systems, rapid excitatory synaptic communication is mediated by a diversity of ionotropic glutamate receptors. <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>, 10 putative receptor subunits have been identified, surprising number for an organism with only 302 neurons. Sequence analysis the predicted proteins identified two NMDA and eight non-NMDA subunits. Here we describe complete distribution these in system <i>C. elegans</i>. Receptor were found exclusively interneurons motor neurons,...
SummaryThe adult nervous system is plastic, allowing us to learn, remember, and forget. Experience-dependent plasticity occurs at synapses—the specialized points of contact between neurons where signaling occurs. However, the mechanisms that regulate strength synaptic are not well understood. Here, we define a Wnt-signaling pathway modifies in by regulating translocation one class acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) synapses. In Caenorhabditis elegans, show mutations CWN-2 (Wnt ligand), LIN-17...
Activation of voltage-gated calcium channels at presynaptic terminals leads to local increases in and the fusion synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter. Presynaptic output is a function density channels, dynamic properties channel, distance docked vesicles, release probability docking site. We demonstrate that Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junctions two different classes CaV2 CaV1, mediate distinct pools vesicles. are concentrated densely packed clusters ~250 nm diameter with...
Background Identifying the molecular mechanisms and neural circuits that control learning memory are major challenges in neuroscience. Mammalian MAGI/S-SCAM is a multi-PDZ domain synaptic scaffolding protein interacts with number of postsynaptic signaling proteins thereby thought to regulate plasticity [1], [2], [3]. Principal Findings While investigating behavioral defects C. elegans nematodes carrying mutation single MAGI ortholog magi-1, we have identified specific neurons require MAGI-1...