FSU Program in Neuroscience

Interest

Our primary research goal is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal excitability and the efficacy of synaptic transmission. Our experimental approach uses primary neuronal culture, brain slices, and patch-clamp electrophysiology, in combination with molecular biology and histological techniques, to examine modulation of a wide variety of ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and synaptic circuits. Another research goal is to characterize the types and quantities of gliotransmitters secreted from astrocytes, a type of glial cell, involved in synaptic transmission (gliotransmission).

Current Research

We have been exploring the roles of glutamate receptor subtypes (e.g., AMPA and kainate receptors) in modulating circuits in the olfactory bulb (OB), the site of the first synaptic relay in the olfactory system. We have also been investigating the role of synaptically released zinc as a neuromodulator of circuits of the OB and hippocampus. Currently, we are characterizing the cellular identity and membrane properties of OB dopaminergic neurons and determining how these properties influence odor-information processing. Another project involves clarifying the cellular and molecular bases of circadian rhythms in the OB. This involves determining how electrical synapses formed by gap junctions, the rhythmic expression of monoamine neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine), and the effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on dopaminergic neurons contribute to the rhythmic regulation of olfactory synaptic circuits. We are also developing a microfluidic platform that can house cultured astrocytes to enable real-time measurements of gliotransmitters released in response to various stimuli.

Recent Publications

Blakemore LJ, Trombley PQ (2020). Zinc Modulates Olfactory Bulb Kainate Receptors. Neuroscience, 428:252-268. PubMed
Korshunov KS, Blakemore LJ, Bertram R, Trombley PQ (2020). Spiking and Membrane Properties of Rat Olfactory Bulb Dopamine Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci, 14:60. PubMed
Korshunov KS, Blakemore LJ, Trombley PQ (2020). Illuminating and Sniffing Out the Neuromodulatory Roles of Dopamine in the Retina and Olfactory Bulb. .Front Cell Neurosci, 14:275. PubMed
Blakemore LJ, Trombley PQ (2019). Mechanisms of zinc modulation of olfactory bulb AMPA receptors. Neuroscience, 410:160-175. PubMed
Blakemore LJ, Corthell JT, Trombley PQ (2018). Kainate Receptors Play a Role in Modulating Synaptic Transmission in the Olfactory Bulb. Neuroscience, 391:25-49. PubMed
Blakemore LJ, Trombley PQ (2017). Zinc as a Neuromodulator in the Central Nervous System with a Focus on the Olfactory Bulb. Front Cell Neurosci, 11:297. PubMed
Korshunov KS, Blakemore LJ, Trombley PQ (2017). Dopamine: A modulator of circadian rhythms in the central nervous system. Front Cell Neurosci, 11:91. PubMed

Dr. Paul Trombley

Associate Professor of Biology & Neuroscience

Faculty

Biological Science

KIN 3011

644-1614

trombley@neuro.fsu.edu

All Publications

Training Grant Opportunities

Neuro Grads and Postdocs