International Research Fellowship Program: Diverse Roles of NMDA Receptor Subunits in Synaptic Function

Leszkiewicz Daniel N, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

0301047 Leszkiewicz The International Research Fellowship Program enables U.S. scientists and engineers to conduct three to twenty-four months of research abroad. The program's awards provide opportunities for joint research, and the use of unique or complementary facilities, expertise and experimental conditions abroad. This award will support a twenty-four month research fellowship by Dr. Daniel N. Leszkiewicz to work with Dr. Stuart Cull-Candy at University College London in the United Kingdom. The NMDA receptor is a subtype of glutamate receptor which is an ion channel closely involved in synaptic processes associated with learning and memory. The goal of this project is to study the role of NMDA receptors in synaptic transmission by examining the subunit composition of these receptors and how they shape synaptic responses in the cerebellum. Specifically, NR1 and NR2 subunits will be characterized with regard to their biophysical and modulatory influences on synaptic transmission. A successful outcome of these experiment will fill gaps in our knowledge of NR2 subunit heterogeneity, distribution, kinetic properties, and how these factors play a role in determining NMDA excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC).