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Associate Professor of PsychiatryAssociate Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Neurosurgery
Office: 3115 Medical LaboratoriesIowa City, IA 52242 Office Phone: 319-384-3173
Email: john-wemmie@uiowa.edu
Foreign Study Program, Trinity College, Carmarthen, Wales, United KingdomBA, Chemistry, Central College, Pella, IAIntensive Language Study, Intensive Russian Language, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, RussiaMD, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IAPhD, Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Residency, Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
Medical License, Iowa Board of MedicineABPN Certification: Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Biosciences Graduate ProgramInterdisciplinary Graduate Program in NeuroscienceInterdisciplinary Graduate Program in Translational BiomedicineMedical Scientist Training Program
We recently found that the Acid Sensing Ion Channel, ASIC contributes to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. ASIC is one of three mammalian members of the DEG/ENaC cation channel family in mammals that are transiently activated by low extracellular pH. ASIC channels are voltage-insensitive and share a large extracellular domain thought to serve as a receptor for extracellular stimuli. Disrupting ASIC in mice eliminated acid-evoked cation currents in central neurons and led to impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory. Our current research focuses on identifying the mechanism for ASIC activation in vivo, understanding the role of ASIC in synaptic plasticity, and establishing an uninterrupted link between ASIC channel activity and its behavioral impact.
Date Last Modified: 05/01/2013 - 12:09:51