Wang, Yu Tian

The goal of the long-term research program in my laboratory is to understand mechanisms controlling the efficacy of synaptic transmission via the regulation of postsynaptic receptors and the manner in which disease processes alter these mechanisms.

Study of the mechanisms governing membrane trafficking of postsynaptic ionotropic receptors is critical to our understanding of synaptic plasticity, and hence brain physiology and pathology. In particular, our research focus on excitatory amino acid (EAA) and type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors, given that these are the principal receptors mediating excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the brain.

Expression of recombinant receptors in heterologous cell lines allows us to use various molecular techniques and characterize in detail the molecular mechanisms controlling the processes by which these receptors are trafficked. We then study these mechanisms in a physiological context by extending our results to neurons in primary dissociated cultures, brain slices, and the brains of animals as a function of behavior.

The goal of our research is, ultimately, to be able to treat central nervous disorders, such as cerebral ischemia and epilepsy, by designing new therapeutics which specifically target these receptors and their pathways.