Glutamate receptors from single molecules to synapses

DRA lecture held by Professor Vasanthi Jayaraman, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are the main excitatory receptors in the central nervous system.  Using a combination of single molecule FRET, fluorescence lifetime imaging, biochemical cross-linking and electrophysiological studies we have mapped the allosteric mechanism of activation, desensitization, and modulation by small molecules and auxiliary proteins in the classical ionotropic glutamate receptors. Guided by these measurements we investigated the “orphan” delta subtype, and hypothesized that these may also act as ligand gated ion channels if supported by interacting proteins. Given that delta receptors forms trans-synaptic interactions with neurexin and cerebellin we studied the delta receptor conformations and function in the context of these interactions and show that delta receptor can act as glycine or d-serine gated ion channels in the context of these connections.

Participation in Benzon Auditorium or online.

Vasanthi Jayaraman will join via ZOOM. It will also be possible for you to join via this link:

https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/62919569348?pwd=RlRkL0ZaSHZCUHMxR2dDQVpONUs5Zz09

The lecture is organised on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy, by Professor Jette Sandholm Kastrup, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The DRA lecture is free of charge and open for attendance by all interested parties.