Mike Xi Zhu, Ph.D.
 Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Center for Molecular Neurobiology
Degree: University of Houston
Postdoctoral Training: Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Lutz Birnbaumer
Phone: (614) 292-8173
Fax: (614) 292-5379
Email: zhu.55@osu.edu
Link to NLM PubMed publications list for Mike Xi Zhu (last 10 years)
Research Area:
1) Molecular structure and functional regulation of TRP cation channels and 2) Physiological roles of PTX-sensitive G proteins in neuronal cell functions.
Current Research:
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have emerged as important sensors of cellular environment. This new superfamily of ion channels is composed of 28 mammalian members. They have been shown to be activated by changes in temperature, concentrations of protons and other cations, as well as redox states of cells. The expression patterns of TRP channels are very diverse with some being ubiquitously present in all cells and others more specific to certain cell types. We focus on the structural and functional relationships of TRP channels. In the past 13 years, we have cloned many TRP genes and studied them in heterologous expression systems such as cultured mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes. Our goals are to examine the electrophysiological properties, regulatory mechanisms, association with other proteins, and sensitivity to various drugs of TRP channels. In addition, we are interested in demonstrating TRP channel function in various native systems, such as smooth muscle cells, skin keratinocytes and various types of neurons and to study their involvement in human diseases.
Our second project focuses on how L7/Pcp2, a small G protein regulator specifically expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, modulates the receptor-induced inhibition of Cav2.1 calcium channels. In collaboration with Dr. John Oberdick, we have recently demonstrated that L7 regulates the calcium channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. This work has led to a continued investigation on how Purkinje cell firing patterns are affected in the L7 knock-out mice. The idea behind this is that L7 protein expression is regulated at the Purkinje cell dendrite in a use dependent manner and the modulation of local calcium channel activity has a strong impact on signal integration that defines the overall firing pattern of the neuron. Detailed study on the L7 function will shed light on the mechanism of motor learning in mammals.
Techniques:
Molecular: cDNA cloning and characterization, RNA preparation and analysis, Northern and Southern blotting, site-directed mutagenesis, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, protein-protein interaction assays in vitro and in vivo, Western blot and immunoprecipitation.
Cell Biology: expression of exogenous protein in mammalian or insect cells by cDNA transfection or viral infection. Fluorescence imaging techniques including immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, as well as cell based imaging techniques for intracellular Ca2+ concentration and pH measurements.
Transgenic: production and analysis of transgenic mice in conjunction with the Transgenic Mouse Facility at The Center for Molecular Neurobiology.
Physiology: fluorescence photometric techniques for intracellular Ca2+ concentration, pH and membrane potential measurements. Expression of recombinant ion channels and receptors in Xenopus oocytes. Electrophysiological techniques including whole-cell and single channel recordings, brain slice recordings, as well as two-electrode voltage clamp techniques.
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