Project Summary

Michael D. Ehlers, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of Duke University Medical Center, is trying to determine how neurons alter the number of AMPA-type glutamate receptors present at excitatory synapses.  The modification of nerve cell communication at synapses is crucial for brain development, behavioral plasticity, and numerous psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia.  Using a variety of techniques (i.e., biochemical, electrophysiological, and fluorescent imaging approaches) Dr. Ehlers hopes to elucidate cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity.  His work is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of glutamate receptor targeting, a process involved in assembling brain synapses and in remodeling these synapses to permit rewiring of brain circuits. 

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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