John Mihic

Section of Neurobiology, University of Texas-Austin, United States of America

Research in my laboratory is focused on characterizing the molecular mechanisms of action of alcohol, inhaled solvents, sedatives and anaesthetics on glycine, GABA-A and serotonin-3 receptors. We combine the techniques of receptor subunit mutagenesis with the electrophysiological characterization of receptors expressed by either cultured cells or Xenopus oocytes. Our studies are carried out using both whole-cell and single-channel electrophysiological recording techniques. We have identified specific amino acids of these receptors responsible for alcohol, inhalant and volatile anaesthetic enhancement of GABA-A and glycine receptor function. Current work in the lab is continuing the characterization of alcohol and anaesthetic actions on these receptors using single channel recording techniques. A second major research interest is the elucidation of the basic mechanisms of ion channel opening and receptor desensitization that occurs after neurotransmitter binding to its binding site. We have identified regions of these receptor subunits that influence channel opening and desensitization. Our recent work has shown that at least one form of receptor desensitization appears to occur as a direct consequence of channel opening and does not require the prior binding of neurotransmitter to its binding site.

Any competing interests declared are displayed with individual evaluations.

Faculty Member: Anesthesiology & Pain Management > Anesthetic Mechanisms (since 19 May 2006)

Links

http://www.icmb.utexas.edu/cmb/directory/details.asp?id=1702

All recent recommendations

• 6.0
  Neurosteroid migration to intracellular compartments reduces steroid concentration in the membrane and diminishes GABA-A receptor potentiation.
  Recommended by John Mihic
  
• 4.8
  Neuroimaging analysis of an anesthetic gas that blocks human emotional memory.
  Recommended by John Mihic, Misha Perouansky with Cliff Rodgers
  
• 3.2
  Additive effects of sevoflurane and propofol on gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor function.
  Recommended by Robert Dickinson, John Mihic