Topic 1: GABA-B receptors are the G-protein coupled receptors for gamma - aminobutyric acid (GABA), the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system. We apply transgenic, biochemical and electrophysiological techniques to understand how molecular differences in GABA-B receptors translate into distinct functional properties of the synapse. We are especially interested in the role of GABA-B receptors in short- and long term synaptic plasticity.
Topic 2: Malignant astrocytomas are among the most aggressive brain tumors in man. Screening for genetic alterations in astrocytomas revealed frequent amplifications at a specific chromosomal locus. We currently carry out transgenic experiments to clarify whether ectopic expression of candidate oncogenes in mature astrocytes causes astrocytomas. We hope that our experiments identify a drug target for this most devastating human disease.
Prof. Bernhard Bettler
University of Basel
Department of Biomedicine
Institute of Physiology
Pharmazentrum
Klingelbergstrasse 50/70
CH-4056 Basel/Schweiz
