Dr. Robert Peoples' Research

Most of the fast communication among the neurons of the central nervous system is mediated by a class of proteins known as neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. One of these proteins, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor-ion channel, plays essential roles in cognition, motor function, sensory processing, and learning, and is considered to be a primary target of alcohol action in the brain.

Research in my laboratory has focused on defining the molecular mechanisms and sites of action of alcohols and other CNS depressants on the NMDA receptor. This has involved investigation of the specific sites and precise molecular mechanisms by which alcohols and related agents interact with NMDA receptors. Because these sites appear to be located in the membrane-associated domains of these receptors, this research has also involved characterizing the structure and function of these regions.

Research in my laboratory has also included investigation of novel mechanisms of intracellular regulation of receptors activated by the inhibitory amino acid glycine, the alcohol sensitivity of purinergic receptors activated by extracellular ATP, and the relation between binding and ion channel gating in 5-HT3 serotonin receptors.

Dr. Peoples research highlighted in International Innovation

Selected Publications