The NUIN Sponsored Seminar Series presents:

John Adelman, PhD
Senior Scientist, Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University

“SK Channels in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons”

Thursday. May 12, 2011
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Hughes Auditorium,
Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center
303 East Superior St.
Chicago, Campus

Reception Follows in the Lurie Atrium

Abstract:
SK channels are Ca-gated K channels. In many central neurons SK channel activity contributes to the afterhyperpolarization that follows an action potential, thereby modulating somatic excitability. However, in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, SK channels do not serve this role. Rather, SK2-containing channels are expressed throughout the dendrites and in dendritic spines where they modulate synaptic responses, the induction of synaptic plasticity, and hippocampus-dependent learning. In addition, SK channel trafficking contributes to the expression of LTP, and the molecular mechanisms that engender synapse-specific expression have recently been determined.

Plan It Purple Event Link: http://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/417885