Stanley A. Thayer, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology
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Publications |
Research Interests
Dr. Thayer's laboratory is studying
the regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration
in neurons, and examining the components of this system as
potential pharmacologic targets. Calcium is an essential
second messenger involved in neurotransmitter release, gene
regulation, and synaptic plasticity. Inappropriate elevation
of the intracellular calcium concentration contributes to
the neurodegeneration associated with AIDS, ischemia, epilepsy
and head trauma.
Dr. Thayer's group uses electrophysiological and optical techniques
to measure membrane ion currents and the fluorescence emitted
by calcium-sensitive dyes in single neurons grown in tissue
culture. Current research efforts are directed to three principal
areas: 1) the processes which remove calcium from the cytoplasm
are studied with respect to their modulation by drugs and second
messenger systems; 2) in vitro models are used to evaluate
strategies to prevent calcium-induced neurodegeneration; and
3) the influence of cannabinoid drugs on synaptic plasticity
are studied.
Neurons have developed a complex system to maintain calcium
homeostasis. Drugs targeted to specific components of this
system are useful tools for studying signaling processes,
have profound effects on synaptic transmission and may prove
to be effective neuroprotective agents. |
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