Erin Meyer, M.D.
Title: Research Assistant Professor
Current Position:
Education/Training
- B.S. 1983, University of Utah
- M.D. 1987, Harvard.;
- Psychiatry Residency 1987-1991, University of Iowa School of Medicine.
Certifications
- None
Honors
- None
Publications
- Meyer, E.L.; Yoshikami, D.; McIntosh, J.M. (2008) The neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine Receptors a4* and a6* differentially modulate Dopamine Release in Mouse Striatal Slices. J. Neurochem. In Press.
- Gahring, L.C.; Persiyanov K.; Dunn D.; Weiss R.; Meyer, E.L.; Rogers, S.W. (2004) Mouse strain-specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression by inhibitory interneurons and astrocytes in the dorsal hippocampus. J. Comp. Neurol. 468, 334-346.
- Gahring, L.C.; Carlson, N.G.; Meyer, E.L.; Rogers, S.W. (2004) Neurodegenerative disease and the neuroimmunology of glutamate receptors. Advances in Molecular and Cell Biology: 32, 139-158 (Chapter7) Elsevier B.V.
- Meyer, E.L.; Strutz, N.; Gahring, L.C.; Rogers, S.W. (2003) Glutamate receptor subunit 3 is modified by site-specific limited proteolysis including cleavage by gamma-secretase; J. Biol. Chem. 278, 23786-23796.
- Gahring, L.C.; Meyer, E.L.; Rogers, S.W. (2003) Nicotine-induced neuroprotection against N-methyl-D-aspartic acid or b-amyloid peptide occur through independent mechanisms distinguished by pro-inflammatory cytokines, J. Neurochem. 87, 1125-1136.
Academic Activities
- The focus of my research is the pharmacology and function of cell surface ion channels and receptors in the nervous and immune systems. I am interested in the involvement of these channels and receptors in mental illnesses, neurological disorders, addiction, inflammation and pain. Some of the major tools I use in may research are conopeptides, small peptides from venomous marine snails. (Conoidea) These peptides are individually targeted to ion channels and receptors on the cell surface. I use conopeptides to assess the presence or absence of ion channels and receptors and to investigate the function of these channels and receptors.
- I am particularly interested in two families of ligand gated ion channels: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and AMPA receptors. I am also interested in neurotensin receptors that are a type of G-protein coupled receptor. Currently, I am studying the roles of nAChRs in neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain and generalized inflammation. I am also investigating the function of nAChRs in the striatum, an area of the brain involved in the regulation of voluntary motor control and Parkinson’s disease. The striatum also plays a major role in positive reinforcement and maintaining established stimulus-response habits. In addition, I am studying neurotensin receptors as they are involved in epilepsy. I use electrophysiology and voltammetry, molecular biology and bioassays in rats, mice, knockout mice, cell lines and primary cultures. Much of my research is accomplished in collaboration with other labs at the University of Utah and with labs at other institutions.
