David D. Mott, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Postdoctoral Training:
Emory University,
Duke University
Ph.D: Duke University.

Research Focus:

Lentiviral-mediated expression of glutamate receptor subunits (red) and green fluorescent protein (green) in dentate granule cells.

Research in my laboratory is directed toward understanding how synaptic transmission between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells in the brain is modified as a result of experience. We have focused on neurons in the limbic system, mostly the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays important roles in learning and memory, as well as in pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. We are currently investigating changes in the hippocampus that occur in epilepsy. We are particularly interested in alterations in synaptic transmission and plasticity that occur during the development of epilepsy after a brain injury. Electrophysiological recordings from both excitatory and inhibitory neurons are used to examine synaptic transmission in the epileptic brain. Changes in receptor expression during epilepsy are evaluated using light microscopy combined with immunohistochemistry. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to investigate structural changes that occur in the brain with the progression of epilepsy. Ongoing studies are examining how changes in the interaction between cholinergic and glutamatergic systems can contribute to the development of the epileptic state. We hope that by better understanding the mechanisms underlying seizures we can develop novel therapies to suppress epilepsy.

Recent publications:

• Doherty, J., Alagarsamy, S., Bough, K.J., Conn, P.J., Dingledine, R. and Mott, D.D. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Modulate Feedback Inhibition in A Developmentally Regulated Manner in Rat Dentate Gyrus. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 561.2: 395-401, 2004.
• Mott DD, Benveniste M, Dingledine RJ (2008). pH-dependent inhibition of kainate receptors by zinc. J Neurosci 28: 1659-1671.

• Iyengar SS, Mott DD (2008). Neuregulin blocks synaptic strengthening after epileptiform activity in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res 1208: 67-73.

• Mott DD (2008). Metabotropic GABA-B Receptors. In: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 3rd ed, Hammond C, ed, Academic Press, London, pp. 232-255.