The Muma Lab

Lab Members

• Qian Li, Ph.D. - Research Assistant Professor
• Carrie McAllister - Graduate Student
• Zhen Mi - Graduate Student

Our research is directed toward an understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, we are examining the mechanisms regulating adaptations in serotonin receptor signaling as new targets for therapeutic intervention. Serotonin receptor signaling is altered by a number of drugs used to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. For example, we recently found that a novel estrogen receptor system modifies serotonin receptor signaling and is a potential target for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders associated with the onset of menopause.

Research is also directed toward an understanding of the formation of inclusion bodies in neurodegenerative diseases. For example, neurofibrillary tangles are an inclusion body in several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia, and corticobasal degeneration. Using techniques such as immunocytochemistry, Western and Northern blotting, and polymerase chain reaction, changes in protein gene expression and post-translational modifications are being characterized and the mechanisms regulating these alterations are being elucidated. Studies such as these, which reveal factors that lead to the formation of abnormal structures in Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disease, should be useful in the development of new treatment strategies for human neurodegenerative diseases.

Members of our lab group come from diverse backgrounds, from local communities in Kansas such as St. Paul's, to other US cities such as Baltimore and Chicago as well as other nations including India and China. We share a good collaborative team approach to our research and enjoy getting together after hours, too. We enjoy lunches together, both off campus as well as our in-house "potlucks". Our current plan is to work our way through the restaurants on Massachusetts Street!