Dr Paul Morris University positionResearch Associate DepartmentsDepartment of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Home pagehttps://www.researchgate.net/profile... (personal home page) Research ThemesInterestsMy interests lie in the mechanisms underlying neuronal and network function (and dysfunction), focusing on receptors and ion channels. Following my PhD in NMDA receptor function and regulation in midbrain dopaminergic neurons at Cambridge (under Dr. Sue Jones), I worked at Bristol (Prof. Julian Paton) and Bath (Prof. Alain Nogaret) developing low power solid-state neurons to be implemented as an artificial CPG in an EU-funded adaptive cardiorespiratory pacemaker. My current work, with Professor Allan Herbison, explores the mechanisms underlying episodic neuronal synchronisation within the kisspeptin neuronal network in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. I recently developed an acute slice preparation that exhibits spontaneous large synchronisations (similar to those observed in vivo) in this network for the first time, and we record from 100+ neurons bilaterally. We're currently investigating the mechanisms underlying this activity as well as the structure of the network. Research Focus
EquipmentCalcium imaging Computational modelling Electrophysiological recording techniques Fluorescence microscopy Intracellular recording Whole cell patch clamp Collaborators
Associated News ItemsPublications2019Abu-Hassan K, Taylor JD, Morris PG, Donati E, Bortolotto ZA, Indiveri G, Paton JFR, Nogaret A (2019), “Optimal solid state neurons” Nat Commun Dec 3;10(1):5309 2018Morris PG, Mishina M, Jones S (2018), “Altered Synaptic and Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor Properties in Substantia Nigra Dopaminergic Neurons From Mice Lacking the GluN2D Subunit” Front Cell Neurosci Oct 11;12:354 2016Roberts GC, Morris PG, Moss MA, Maltby SL, Palmer CA, Nash CE, Smart E, Holliday DL, Speirs V (2016), “An Evaluation of Matrix-Containing and Humanised Matrix-Free 3-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems for Studying Breast Cancer” PLoS One Jun 14;11(6):e0157004 Yeo SH, Kyle V, Morris PG, Jackman S, Sinnett-Smith LC, Schacker M, Chen C, Colledge WH (2016), “Visualisation of Kiss1 Neurone Distribution Using a Kiss1-CRE Transgenic Mouse” J Neuroendocrinol Nov;28(11) 2015Wild AR, Bollands M, Morris PG, Jones S (2015), “Mechanisms regulating spill-over of synaptic glutamate to extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in mouse substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons” Eur J Neurosci Nov;42(9):2633-43 |