The Levitan lab's research is aimed at understanding long-term regulation of channels and transmitter release. These topics are related because channels support the electrical activity that triggers neurosecretion, while motion and fusion of secretory vesicles support transmitter release and delivery of channels to the plasma membrane.
Currently, the group is studying how channel production and trafficking mediate long- term hormone and drug effects, and support apoptosis. Also, a novel high throughput screening method has been developed to discover new protein and chemical regulators of channel function and expression. Finally, live nerve terminals are being imaged to elucidate how secretory vesicle mobility is controlled to facilitate neurotransmission.
Technically, the laboratory employs live cell imaging, patch clamping, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches. |
