Wen-Jun
Gao , M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
Drexel University College of Medicine
2900 Queen Lane, Room 243
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215-991-8907
Fax:
215-991-9082
Email: wgao@drexelmed.edu
Synaptic signaling and regulation of prefrontal neuronal circuitry
and neurobiology of
schizophrenia
Research
Interests
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The structure and function of neocortex, especially prefrontal cortex
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Cellular and synaptic mechanism of neuronal network activity
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Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and monoaminergic modulations
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Neurobiology of schizophrenia
Research Summary
The cerebral cortex is the most complex brain region in the mammalian central nervous system. Elucidating its diverse functions represents a major challenge in neurobiology. Dr. Gao’s lab is interested in the neuronal mechanisms underlying the synaptic signaling and monoaminergic regulation in the prefrontal cortical circuitry, as well as the critical issues in neuropathology of mental disorder and other neurological diseases. Specifically, we plan to take the advantages of both in vivo and in vitro preparations to examine the neuronal signaling in both normal and animal models of mental disorders.
Work in the laboratory is currently focused in the following projects: 1) monoaminergic regulation of synaptic transmissions and network activity in the prefrontal local circuit; 2) roles of NMDA receptors in the schizophrenia pathological process; and 3) trafficking of NMDA receptors. Our research involves a variety of morphological, physiological, pharmacological, and molecular approaches designed to elucidate the synaptic mechanisms underlying the prefrontal functions. Morphological studies include single-cell labeling, neuronal reconstruction, and immunocytochemistry. Physiological, pharmacological and molecular approaches include multiple whole-cell recordings, drug applications, western blotting, and real-time PCR in fresh brain tissues, acute brain slices, and cell culture preparations. These approaches are mutually supportive with a comprehensive integration across disciplines.
Biography
Dr. Wen-Jun Gao received his Ph.D. from Chinese Academy of Sciences. He did his first postdoctoral training with Dr. Sarah L. Pallas at Georgia State University, then with Drs. Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic and David A. McCormick at Yale University School of Medicine. He is now an assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Selected Publications
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Gao WJ (2007) Acute clozapine suppresses synchronized pyramidal synaptic network activity by increasing inhibition in the prefrontal cortex. The Journal of Neurophysiology 97:1196-1208 pdf
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Gao WJ and Goldman-Rakic PS (2006) NMDA receptor-mediated epileptiform persistent activity requires calcium release from internal stores. Experimental Neurology 197: 495-504 pdf
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Gao WJ and Zheng ZH (2004) Target-specific differences in somatodendritic morphology of layer V pyramidal neurons in rat motor cortex. The Journal of Comparative Neurology 476:174-185 pdf
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Gao WJ and Goldman-Rakic PS (2003) Selective Modulation of Excitatory and Inhibitory Microcircuits by Dopamine. PNAS, 100(5):2836-41 pdf
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Gao WJ, Wang Y and Goldman-Rakic PS (2003) Dopamine modulation of peridendritic and perisomatic inhibition in prefrontal cortex. The Journal of Neuroscience, 23:1622-30 pdf
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Gao WJ, Krimer LS and Goldman-Rakic PS (2001) Presynaptic regulation of recurrent excitation by D1 receptor in prefrontal circuits. PNAS, 98:295-300 pdf
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Gao WJ, Wormington AB, Newman DE and Pallas SL (2000) Development of inhibitory circuitry in visual and auditory cortex of postnatal ferrets: immunocytochemical localization of parvalbumin and calbindin-containing neurons. The Journal of Comparative Neurology 422:140-157 pdf
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Gao WJ and Pallas SL (1999): Cross-modal reorganization of horizontal connectivity in auditory cortex without altering thalamocortical input. The Journal of Neuroscience 19(18):7940-7950 pdf
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Gao WJ, Newman DE, Wormington AB and Pallas SL (1999): Development of inhibitory circuitry in visual and auditory cortex of postnatal ferrets: immunocytochemical localization of GABAergic neurons. The Journal of Comparative Neurology 409(2):261-273 pdf