Juan Carlos Pina-Crespo, Ph.D.

Research

Neuronal function and susceptibility to cell damage is dependent upon neurons expressing specific repertoires of glutamate receptors. The pattern of expression of these receptors can be regulated by ion channel activity. Abnormal patterns of expression of genes encoding glutamate receptor subunits belonging to the NMDA-receptor subfamily of ion channels have been described in a number of brain disorders. The aim of my research work is to investigate how the abnormal neuronal expression of particular subtypes of NMDA receptor-channels can affect glutamatergic neurotransmission and neurons susceptibility to cell death.