RESEARCH PROFILE

Modulation at glutamatergic synapse transmission is referred to as synaptic plasticity and can last for long periods of time. These long-term processes are thought to underlie learning and memory. Long-term depression (LTD) involves either ionotropic, or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) and results in a rapid and sustained decrease in excitability of the postsynaptic membrane due to the internalization of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) from synapses. Work on the fundamental mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking is extremely important as AMPAR plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission and hence the normal functioning of the brain. Deterioration of brain function occurs during normal ageing as well as during neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

My research interests are centred on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the internalization of AMPAR during LTD. As trafficking and phosphorylation of certain proteins are associated events during plasticity, I am particularly interested on the role played by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways during synaptic plasticity.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Control of AMPA receptor trafficking during during hippocampal long-term depression: the role of the p38 MAPK signalling cascade, with -, Funded by: BBSRC, Project Start Date: 01/04/2010 Project End Date: 31/03/2013
• Role of the endosomal sorting machinery in controlling AMPA receptor trafficking in the hippocampus, Funded by: BBSRC, Project Start Date: 01/03/2012 Project End Date: 28/02/2013
• RDF 2011/12 Strategic Award: Preliminary data for development of research programme on the role of MAPK underlying trafficking of AMPA receptors during synaptic plasticity, Funded by: Research Development Fund, Project Start Date: 01/08/2011 Project End Date: 31/07/2012
  
  

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SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

• Canal Frederic; Palygin Oleg; Pankratov Yuriy; et al.(2011) 'Compartmentalization of the MAPK scaffold protein KSR1 modulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons' FASEB Journal 25 (7), (0892-6638)
• Baines, A. E., Correa, S. A. L., Irving, A. J. and Frenguelli, B. G.(2011) 'Differential trafficking of adenosine receptors in hippocampal neurons monitored using GFP- and super-ecliptic pHluorin-tagged receptors' Neuropharmacology 61 (1-2), 1 - 11 (0028-3908) [article]
• Canal F, Palygin O, Pankratov Y, Corrêa, SAL, Müller J.(2011) 'Feedback regulation of the MAP kinase scafold protein KSR1 regulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons' FASEB Journal 25 (7), 2362 - 2372 (0892-6638)
• Appleby, VJ, Corrêa, SAL, Duckworth JK, Nash, JE, Noel J, Fitzjohn SM, Collingridge, GL, Molnar E(2011) 'LTP in hippocampal neurons is associated with a CaMKII-mediated increase in GluA1 surface expression' Journal Of Neurochemistry 116 530 - 543 (0022-3042)
• Nash, JE, Appleby VJ, Corrêa, SAL, Wu H, Garner CC, Fitzjohn SM, Collingridge, GL, Molnar E(2010) 'Disruption of the interaction between myosin VI and SAP97 is associated with a reduction in the number of AMPARs at hippocampal synapses.' Journal Of Neurochemistry 112 677 - 690 (0022-3042)

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RESEARCH DEGREES SUPERVISED

• Adenosine receptor trafficking in in vitro models of epilepsy , Date of Completion: 2011
• Role of MSK and Arc/Arg 3.1 in the trafficking of AMPAR during long-term depression.