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Magnusson Lab |
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Dr.
Kathy R. Magnusson,
Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Idaho,
Moscow, Idaho |
Welcome to the Magnusson Lab!
Daniel Kronemann, Xue Zhao, Rebecca Hammersmark, Kathy Magnusson, Jason Dutton, Sarah Hoffman |
Who We Are
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| Our lab is involved in neuroscience research and we are
focused on determining how aging affects the brain. Learning and
memory problems are the earliest cognitive deficits to occur during aging.
Age-related changes in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors show a relationship
to these learning and memory declines. We are interested in
understanding what goes wrong with the receptors during aging and how this
impacts memory functions in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
The ultimate goal is to prevent or repair the learning and memory problems
that are associated with old age. Please go to the Lab Members page to find
out more about the students and scientists who work in our lab. |
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This is the picture from our most recent laboratory
T-shirt.
It was designed by Dr. Anna D. Fails,
Dept. of Biomedical Sciences,
College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University. |
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What We Do
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| Members of this lab study the effects of aging on
spatial memory and the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptor. We use the Morris water maze to characterize the
spatial learning abilities of different ages of mice. We use
receptor binding, in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, Western
blotting, and ELISA techniques to examine changes that occur with
increasing age in the binding of transmitter to the NMDA receptor and
the expression of different subunits. Correlative studies have
shown relationships between the expression of NMDA receptors in the
prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and spatial learning ability in aged
animals. We are now utilizing techniques that reduce receptor
subunit expression and receptor function in order to better understand
the role of NMDA receptors in the prefrontal cortex and determine the
consequences of reduced expression for old animals. |
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Jason places a mouse into the Morris water maze.
The animal uses spatial cues to orient itself and find the platform
hidden below the surface of the water. This task allows us to
characterize the learning and memory abilities of different ages of
mice. |
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Interested in working with us?
Please go to the Lab Openings page.
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