Mechanisms Underlying Neuronal Activity

Projects focus on the mechanisms underlying neuronal activity using GnRH neurons in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, GnRH neurons, spread throughout the forebrain, release GnRH in a pulsatile fashion to control reproduction. In explants, primary GnRH neurons continue to release in a pulsatile fashion and show synchronized calcium oscillations. Projects utilize the GnRH system to study molecular and cellular properties of neuronal activity (individual cells and neuronal population dynamics) at different developmental, metabolic and/or reproductive states.

For additional information on the position, please visit: http://intra.ninds.nih.gov/Lab.asp?Org_ID=42.

Selected Recent Publications:

• Constantin S, Wray S. Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ inhibits gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons via G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels. eNeuro. 2018 Dec 26;5(6).
• Constantin S, Wray S. Galanin activates G protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels and suppresses kisspeptin-10 activation of GnRH neurons, Endocrinology, 157: 3197-212, 2016.
• Klenke U, Constantin S, Wray S.  BPA directly decreases GnRH neuronal activity via non-canonical pathway. Endocrinology, 157:1980-90, 2016.
• Taylor-Burds C, Cheng P, Wray S. Chloride accumulators NKCC1 and AE2 in mouse GnRH neurons: Implications for GABAA mediated excitation. Plosone, 2015.

Candidate with experience in calcium imaging or electrophysiology and mouse anatomy preferred but not mandatory. Laboratory uses multidisciplinary approaches: cre/lox mice, transgenic lines, imaging, nasal explants, acute slices, videomicroscopy, calcium imaging, electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, in situ histochemistry, single-cell PCR, and subtractive cDNA screening. Candidates should have training in one of the following: Electrophysiology, Neurobiology, Neuroendocrinology or Molecular biology.

Please e-mail a letter describing your interest and long-term goals, a curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to Dr. Susan Wray, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, NINDS, NIH at wraysninds.nih.gov.

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