Mr James ButlerUniversity positionPhD student DepartmentsDepartment of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Research ThemesInterestsRecent studies have established dysfunctional evoked and induced gamma (40 Hz) oscillations as well as changes in parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the brains of schizophrenic patients (Uhlhaas & Singer, 2010). I will express the optogenetic silencer (halorhodopsin) selectively in PV interneurons to mimic this phenotype. Using an established model of gamma oscillations in hippocampal slices (Fisahn et al., 1998; Mann et al., 2005), I will analyse the effects of silencing PV interneurons on gamma oscillations, as well as investigate other questions. I will then use this model to investigate the potential of both established antipsychotic drugs, and new drug candidates, for treating schizophrenia. Research Focus
EquipmentWhole cell patch clamp CollaboratorsNo collaborators listed Associated News Items |