University of Missouri-Columbia · BiologyKline Neurotransmitter Lab
David Douglas Kline · Columbia, Missouri
Research Focus
Dr. David Kline's research lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding how the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brainstem affects breathing and cardiovascular responses, especially during episodes of low oxygen (hypoxia). The lab investigates the role of GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in regulating these responses after chronic low-oxygen exposure. By using various advanced techniques, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for breathing-related disorders associated with unstable oxygen levels.
GABA signalinghypoxiacardiorespiratory responsebrainstemneurotransmitters
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate how GABA signaling is altered in response to chronic intermittent hypoxia.
AIM 02Determine the impact of altered GABA signaling on neuron excitability in the brainstem.
AIM 03Analyze the interactions between GABA and glutamate signaling in cardiorespiratory functions.
AIM 04Utilize cellular manipulation techniques to dissect the role of specific GABA neurons in hypoxia-induced responses.
Skills the Lab Values
single-cell electrophysiologylive-cell imagingDREADD manipulationmolecular biology techniquestransgenic rat modelsviral vector delivery (AAV)chloride transporter assaysdata analysisanimal handling techniques