Glutamate signalling via the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is crucial for normal brain development and function. Reduced activity of the NMDAR is postulated in schizophrenia, and the inclusion of NMDAR co-agonists to standard therapies provides additional symptom alleviation. However, the NMDAR co-agonists available at the moment, may have metabolic side-effects such as nephrotoxicity. Understanding the mechanisms modulating NMDAR activity, therefore, has therapeutic relevance and may lead to novel treatments for schizophrenia.  

This project will examine the factors influencing the expression and activity of central NMDARs, and their impact on brain function. The candidate will have the opportunity to apply a multidisciplinary approach to their research, and use state-of-the-art techniques such as, neural cell cultures, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and several behavioural paradigms including cognitive deficit models. The project will extend current collaborations within and outside Oxford University, and will be supported, in part, by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences research Council (BBSRC). The day-to-day running of the project will be supervised by Dr Phil Burnet (phil.burnet@psych.ox.ac.uk).

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