Area of Interest

• Our research examines how cell surface cation channels (proteins that conduct calcium and sodium across the membrane) influence the survival or death of central neurons (brain cells) by controling signal transduction, cell function and gene transcription. We use molecular, cellular and animal models to study cation channel function and role in brain injury such as stroke.

Keywords:

• stroke research
• protein interactions
• signal transduction
• ion channels
• cell death mechanisms

Current Research

• Glutamate Receptor Signaling and Neuronal Survival
• Glutamate receptors (GluRs) are calcium channels implicated in neuronal death during a stroke (loss of blood flow to the brain) however GluRs also provide the main excitatory communication required for neuronal function and survival. GluRs are linked to a large network of intracellular signaling proteins that regulate cell survival and/or cell death. Our work in this area is aimed at determining which specific signals are necessary for promoting cell survival and how these might be enhanced or modified following brain injury. 
• Neurophysiological Models for Stroke Research
• in vivo models for stroke research are geared at simply assessing short-term cell death and tissue damage and do not take into account functional changes in the brain that can influence tissue recovery or neurodegeneration following injury.  We are currently developing in vivo models to study how brain function is altered following injury and to validate neuroprotective therapies.
• Transient Receptor Potential Channels: Expression, Function and Role in Cell Death
• TRP proteins are non-selective cation channels that mediate diverse functions from sensory perception (taste, temperature, mechanical) to ion homeostasis and developmental regulation.  We are particularly interested in members of the TRP “M” subfamily which have been implicated in regulating cell death in response to injury and free radical stress. Several projects are aimed at determining the expression, activation and signaling properties of TRPM channels and how molecular interactions of TRPM channels regulate neuronal development and cell death. 

Teaching

• BIOC13H: Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics and Metabolism
• BIOD27H: Molecular Endocrinology
• Plasticity in Neurodegenerative Diesease (Graduate Course)