We all went to a reception at the Willis Tower in Chicago during the 2019 SfN meeting.
SfN 2019 Poster Prep
Gray Lab poster prep 3 posters on 3 rigs
PP1 dephosphorylates GluN2B in the PDZ ligand to regulate synaptic NMDA receptor content
In this ongoing collaboration with Antonio Sanz-Clemente at Northwestern University, we define an additional mechanism regulating the synaptic expression of the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors. Following synaptic activity, the GluN2B subunit is phosphorylated on the C-terminal PDZ ligand at
Parallel non-ionotropic and ionotropic requirements for NMDA-mediated superoxide production
In this collaboration with the Swanson lab at UCSF, we show that NMDA-mediated superoxide production requires both a source of calcium influx and agonist binding to the glutamate site of the NMDA receptor (GluN2B subunit to be specific). Thus, both
Intracellular MK801 does not fully block NMDA receptors
MK801 is an open-channel blocker of the NMDA receptor pore. That is, when the receptor is activated and the channel opens, MK801 enters the pore and blocks it. Usually, MK801 is used extracellularly, but multiple studies have included it in
Congrats to Eden passing her qualifying exam!
Not just passed, apparently she destroyed it! Congrats to PhD Candidate Eden Barragan!
Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity
Exciting new collaborative publication with David Olson’s lab on the possibility that psychedelics may be rapid-acting antidepressants. Was fun to get back into studying 5-HT2A receptors after a long hiatus. Covered by the press: UC Davis LA Times Newsweek New
Metaplasticity contributes to memory formation in the hippocampus
After initial learning, subsequent learning is independent of NMDA receptor function, but requires mGluRs and increases in intrinsic excitability. New publication in collaboration with the Wiltgen Lab. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/how-experience-changes-basics-memory-formation/
Long-Term Depression Is Independent of GluN2 Subunit Composition
Excited to see the lab’s first original research publication in print and congrats to Jon Wong for his first scientific publication! It was even a featured article. PDF can be found here.
Welcome to new postdoc, Shekib Jami PhD
Shekib comes to us from Tom O’Dell’s lab at UCLA where he found unique NMDA receptor differences between ventral and dorsal hippocampus mediated by SK channels that account for differences in synaptic plasticity between those regions. We’re excited to have