Michael Ehlers, Neurobiology

The research in our laboratory is directed toward understanding the molecular mechanisms which regulate excitatory synaptic transmission. We have focused our attention on the NMDA-type glutamate receptor, which is important in synaptic plasticity, synaptogenesis, and excitotoxicity. To this end we use biochemical and molecular biological approaches to identify cellular proteins which interact with and functionally modulate the NMDA receptor.

Another area of research in the laboratory is the cellular trafficking and synaptic targeting of neurotransmitter receptors. Regulation of the distribution and density of neurotransmitter receptors in the plasma membrane is crucial for ensuring efficient synaptic transmission and is important in controlling synaptic efficacy. We are using mammalian cell lines and primary neuronal culture systems to identify targeting motifs present in the NMDA receptor, as well as biochemical and genetic approaches to identify neuronal proteins involved in receptor trafficking.