Prof Mark Farrant

Research summary

My group studies signalling in the central nervous system mediated by the amino acids glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The main focus of our research is on the ionotropic receptors for these neurotransmitters – multisubunit proteins that form ligand-gated ion channels allowing the passage across the neuronal membrane of anions (GABA_A receptors) or cations (AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors). Their proper function is critical for the maintenance of appropriate neuronal excitability and they are targets for many clinically important drugs. Changes in glutamate receptors are key to learning and memory, while impaired function of GABA_A receptors has been implicated in the genesis or expression of numerous brain disorders, including epilepsy.

We use patch-clamp electrophysiology in combination with molecular approaches to investigate the properties of heterologously expressed recombinant receptors and to examine synaptic and non-synaptic signalling in acute brain slices and neuronal cultures from wild-type and mutant or genetically modified mice. Our group has been at the forefront of studies characterizing NMDA receptor diversity, the origin of tonic GABA_A receptor-mediated inhibition, and the regulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors. Most recently, we have been involved in collaborative studies to develop pharmacogenetic approaches to dissect the behavioural role of defined neuronal populations and in examination of the actions of TARPs (transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins). The overall aim of our work is to improve understanding of the pharmacological and biophysical properties of GABA and glutamate receptors, the regulation of their expression, and the functional significance of their heterogeneity in relation to synapses, circuits and behaviour.

Education

University of London

Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1987

University of Nottingham

First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 1982

Publications

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