Started the lab in Sep 1970 (the first Molecular Neurobiology Department).
Ph.D., Molecular Biology, Harvard University, MA (1967)
Tel. (858) 453 4100 x1112
FAX: (858) 552 3469
Email (preferred): heinemann@salk.edu
Administrative Assistant: Jane Jenerette
Tel.: (858) 453 4100 x1342
The synapse plays a key role in the nervous system and it is likely that biochemical changes at the synapse underlie some aspects of higher brain function. Most plausible theories of learning, pattern recognition and memory depend upon changes in the efficiency of chemical synapses, which probably involves changes in receptors and ion channels. It is also now known that these molecules can be directly involved in human disease. Most drugs that are used to treat mental illness are known to work either on the receptors or the metabolism of the transmitters. The work in our laboratory is focused on the molecular biology and physiology of the glutamate and nicotinic receptors expressed in the brain. A major goal is to understand the regulation of synaptic function and the molecular biology of learning.