Grinnell College · BiologyNeuromuscular Signal Regulation Lab
Clark A Lindgren · Grinnell, Iowa
Research Focus
Clark A. Lindgren's research lab at Grinnell College focuses on understanding how signals from muscles regulate neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, particularly through a process called presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). The lab investigates the role of pH and other ionic factors in this communication, aiming to identify the mechanisms that allow muscles to adjust the strength of their signals to nerves. Undergraduate students play a crucial role in this research, gaining hands-on experience in the laboratory while contributing to important discoveries in neuroscience.
neuromuscular junctionpresynaptic homeostatic potentiationpH regulationacetylcholine releaseneuroanatomy
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of protons in modulating neurotransmitter release at the synapse.
AIM 02Measure the pH changes in the synaptic cleft during presynaptic homeostatic potentiation.
AIM 03Understand how blocking acetylcholine receptors affects local pH.
AIM 04Characterize the effects of external pH on neurotransmitter release.
AIM 05Explore the physiological conditions affecting presynaptic homeostatic potentiation.
Skills the Lab Values
fluorescent imagingviral gene deliverymicropipette techniquepH measurementdata analysis using Python
Output against the department
Publications16bottom 2% of dept.1,014th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations416bottom 2% of dept.1,017th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
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