In the brain, neurons communicate by synaptic transmission, which occurs when neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft between two neurons. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and when it binds to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, it activates signaling processes ranging from perception to learning and memory. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and it plays a key role in modulating and opposing the excitatory glutamate signaling. Homeostasis, or long-term control of neurotransmitter actions, reflects a complex balance of synaptic release and reuptake of those neurotransmitters.

Research in Kavanaugh's lab has involved identifying and characterizing a number of transporters and channels. This work has helped reveal principles governing how the transporters for glutamate, GABA, and other neurotransmitters work, and how they cooperate with ion channels to regulate synaptic signaling in both normal and disease processes. With the human genome project nearing completion, the role of mutations and polymorphisms in many human neurological diseases is becoming apparent. In collaboration with academic and pharma partners, the team is also pursuing preclinical research using transgenic mouse models to develop and test new drugs including RNA-targeting synthetic oligonucleotides and engineered viruses.

NEUR 481 Cognitive Neuroscience and Neural Networks 

NEUR 491 Undergraduate Neuroscience Research

NEUR 661 Neuroscience I