George James Augustine, Ph.D.

George Barth Geller Professor for Research in Neurobiology, in the School of Medicine

Department:
Neurobiology

Email:
georgeaneurodukeedu

Mailing Address:
Box 3209, DUMC
Durham, NC 27710

Telephone:
919-681-6164

Training:
Ph.D., University of Maryland - College Park

Last Updated:
December 22, 2004

Research Interests:
Dr. Augustine's lab is interested in the function of synaptic connections between nerve cells. Experiments in the lab employ electrophysiological, molecular biological, and imaging technologies to study the activity of single synapses. Attention is focused on three general questions. First, Dr. Augustine and his colleagues are examining the molecular basis of neurotransmitter release. They are exploring the molecular mechanisms that transduce a rise in neuronal Ca concentration into the exocytotic secretion of neurotransmitters, focusing on identifying the roles of proteins that are associated with presynaptic terminals. Second, they are examining the signal transduction pathways underlying long-lasting synaptic plasticity. Their work has identified the role of second messengers, such as Ca and IP3, in mediating long-term synaptic depression in the cerebellum. They are now examining how these signals are converted into the long-lasting changes in glutamate receptor function that yield long-term depression. Third, they have invented a new genetically encoded indicator for chloride ions and are using this indicator, called Clomeleon, to image inhibitory synaptic processes in the brain.

Publications:
2001 -- Tokumaru, H., L.L. Pelligrini, T. Ishizuka, K. Umayahara, H. Saisu, H. Betz, G.J. Augustine and T. Abe (2001) SNARE complex oligomerization by synaphin/complexin is essential for synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Cell 104: 421-432.

2000 -- Kuner, T. and G.J. Augustine (2000) A genetically encoded ratiometric indicator for chloride: capturing chloride transients in cultured hippocampal neurons. Neuron 27: 447-459.

2000 -- Miyata, M., E.A. Finch, L. Khiroug, K. Hashimoto, S. Hayasaka, S.-I. Oda, M. Inouye, Y. Takagishi, G.J. Augustine and M. Kano (2000) Local calcium release in dendritic spines required for long-term synaptic depression. Neuron 28: 233-244.

2000 -- Wang, S.S-H., L. Khiroug and G.J. Augustine (2000) Postsynaptic spread of cerebellar long-term depression revealed using chemical two-photon uncaging. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 97: 8635-8640.