Molecular mechanisms of BK channel function and subcellular localization

Presenter: Dr. Zhaowen Wang, Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut

Time:  9:20-10:20, 24th Sep. 2015

Place:  Room 701, Complex Building, School of Medicine

Host: Professor Lijun Kang

Introduction:

    Ca2+ plays key roles in neurotransmitter release. It triggers the release by directly binding to Ca2+ sensor(s) at the presynaptic site, and regulates the release by modulating the activities of several presynaptic proteins. We study the functions of presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, ryanodine receptor (a Ca2+-releasing channel in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane), BK channel (a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in neurotransmitter release, and try to determine whether and how these proteins interact at the presynaptic site. These research programs have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission.