Harald Sontheimer Ph.D.
Professor, UAB Department of Neurobiology; Co-Director, Simultaneous Laser Scanning Imaging and Electrophysiology; MRRC ScientistUniversity of Alabama Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan International Research Center
1719 6th Avenue South
CIRC 545
Birmingham, AL 35294-0021
205-975-5805 (tel)
[email protected]
http://www.mrrc.uab.edu/
Biography/Curriculum Vitae:
Sontheime-CV05.pdf
Research Interests:
Glial cells; neuronal function; patch-clamp electrophysiology; quantitative ratiometric fluorescence cell imaging; radioisotope flux
Narrative of Current Research Efforts:
The Role of Neuroglia in Brain Function
Glial cells constitute over 50% of brain cells, yet their involvement in normal brain function is not fully understood. It is clear that unlike neurons, glial cells can proliferate in the adult brain and are of crucial importance in mediating the brains response to brain injury. Proliferating glial cells in which growth control has been lost give rise to primary brain tumors, astrocytomas or glioblastomas, the most deadly form of cancer. It is thus increasingly clear that a number of neurological conditions are associated with or caused by compromised glial function.
The goal of Dr. Sontheimer's laboratory is to understand how glial cells contribute to neuronal function in the healthy and diseased brain. They are particularly interested in the role of glial cells as K+ and pH buffers and as depository of neuronally released glutamate. They are studying signals involved in neuron-glial interactions during development, regeneration and myelination. Finally They seek to identify differences between normal and malignant glial cells.
Dr. Sontheimer's laboratory is using patch-clamp electrophysiology, quantitative ratiometric fluorescence cell imaging and radioisotope flux techniques to study movements of ions across glial cell membranes. Theyare comparing properties of normal glial cells to those of glial tumors and seizure associated "scarring" glial cells to understand potential involvement of ion channels and carriers in cell proliferation and disease. Since neurons and glial cells have the potential to influence each other through the release of neuroligands and growth factors, they are studying possible neuron-glial interactions in vitro using selective agonists and antagonists to second messenger pathways along with coculture systems of well defined neurons and glial cells.
Major Honors and Awards:
Representative Publications:
View Dr. Sontheimer's publications on PubMed.
Created 1/5/2006 by Evette Mezger
Last modified 4/11/2006 by Danielle Onunkwo
