laboratory of membrane excitability & disease
Basic functions in the brain, such as making decisions, consuming food and forming memories, rely on a proper balance of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signals. Our research focuses on the function of potassium ion channels, which generate one of the inhibitory signals in the brain. We are particularly interested in G protein-regulated potassium channels and their role in drug addiction and mental disorders. We have unraveled the molecular details underlying G protein modulation, elucidated a structural mechanism of alcohol-mediated activation, and discovered drug-induced plasticity for these G protein-gated potassium channels. As potassium channels emerge as critical gatekeepers of neuronal excitability, the results of our research may lead to the development of more effective treatments for diverse neurological diseases such as epilepsy, Down syndrome, alcohol abuse and drug addiction. |
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PUBLICATIONS |
 Paul Slesinger, PhD
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Padgett CL, Lalive AL, Tan KR, Terunuma M, Munoz M, Pangalos M, Martínez-Hernández J., Watanabe M., Moss SJ, Luján R, Lüscher C and Slesinger PA. (2012) Methamphetamine-evoked depression of GABAB receptor signaling in GABA neurons of the VTA. Neuron 73(5):978-89. | |||
| Click here for more publications→ | Meet the team → | |||
Now Hiring for Postdoctoral Positions:Postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Paul A. Slesinger in the Department of Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Our lab is studying the molecular mechanisms underlying drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Opportunities exist on projects investigating the regulation of potassium channels by alcohol, developing cell-based human models for drug addiction using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and elucidating cellular changes in the slow inhibitory signaling pathway with drugs of abuse. Interested candidates should have a recent PhD with publications, and extensive experience with either patch-clamp electrophysiology or with molecular biology/biochemistry. Please send cover letter, curriculum CV and names of the references (Click here for the PDF version of the ad)
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