Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
Hippocampal neurons in vitro labeled with MAP2 (green) and the nuclear DAPI stain. Left, tau (red). Right, phospho-tau (red).
Tau uptake is mediated by cell surface heparan sulfate, which depends on 3-O-sulfation modification by Hs3st1
Central brainstem projections of distinct sensory subsets from the left vagal ganglia.
MPP research projects in Neuroscience investigates central and peripheral nerve function, dysfunction and survival. Current projects include:
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Investigating pathological signaling in neurological disorders including amyloidopathies and tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Targeting the vasculature/microenvironment to reduce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Linking vascular dysfunction to neuronal and glial injury in stroke.
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Studying the mechanisms underlying visceral pain from the esophagus – identifying the specific types of sensory nerves involved, their connectivity with CNS networks, and their activation by acid and other irritants associated with esophageal pain and heartburn.
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Determining the role of ligand-gated ion channel receptors in the tuning the signal transmission within the CNS, and how structurally diverse general anesthetics modulate the function of these ion channels.
