Elias K. Michaelis University Distinguished Professor emichaelis@ku.edu (785) 864-4001
ResearchProfessor Michaelis and his research group have been studying the brain proteins that function as receptors for the neurotransmitters L-glutamic and L-aspartic acid in mammalian brains. These proteins control excitability and viability of nerve cells under several conditions and pathologic states such as Huntington's disease, alcoholism, or Alzheimer's disease. Glutamate receptors are apparently involved not only in producing excitation in neurons but also in the phenomena of synaptic modification, learning and memory formation, seizure induction, and anoxic cell damage. Understanding the molecular nature and regulation of gene expression of these receptors as well as the steps in signal transduction is important in developing probes for regulation of their function and for intervention in pathological states. Experimental approaches include: Isolation and characterization of proteins that have the characteristics of NMDA receptors; production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for topographic and molecular studies; sequencing of proteins; synthesis of cDNA probes; study of expression of receptor proteins under physiologic and pathologic conditions; reconstitution of receptors in liposomes and measurement of ion channel activity by rapid kinetic instrumentation and patch clamp techniques. More recent studies are focused on the steps of signal transduction in neurons and the modification produced by chronic alcoholism, oxidation and aging. Publications (click
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