Brain mechanisms of GHB and GABAergic signalling in the Wellendorph Lab
Our lab is devoted to understanding brain mechanisms involving the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and its metabolite GHB (γ-hydroxybutyric acid). We use biochemical and pharmacological analyses in cells, tissues
Another focus area is GABAA receptors and their role in brain excitability governed by tonic inhibition using novel ligands and pharmacological assays.
We also work on SLC6A GABA transporters and how they regulate GABA neurotransmitter levels, particularly in cerebral ischemia.
- Identification of the ubiquitous neuronal
signalling molecule CaMKIIα as the physiological target for GHB - Identification and characterization of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors
- Drug discovery into and anti-ischemic effects of GABA transporter ligands
Linked articles:
- Leurs U, Klein AB, McSpadden ED, Griem-Krey N, Solbak SMØ, Houlton J, Villumsen IS, Vogensen SB, Hamborg, L, Gauger SJ, Palmelund LB, Larsen ASG, Shehata MA, Kelstrup CD, Olsen, JV, Bach A, Burnie RO, Kerr S, Gowing EK, Teurlings SMW, Chi CC, Gee CL, Frølund B, Kornum BR, van Woerden GM, Clausen RP, Kuriyan J, Clarkson AN & Wellendorph P (2021). GHB confers neuroprotection through specific interaction with the CaMKIIα hub domain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 118 No 31 e2108079118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2108079118
- Falk-Petersen CB, Rostrup F, Löffler R, Buchleihtner S, Harpsøe K, Gloriam D, Frølund B, Wellendorph P (2021). Molecular determinants underlying delta selective compound 2 activity at d-containing GABAA receptors. Mol. Pharmacol. 100, 46-56.
3. Dalby NO, Leurs U, Falk-Petersen C, Scholze P, Krall J, Frølund & Wellendorph P (2020). Silencing of spontaneous activity at α4β1/3δ GABAA receptors in hippocampal granule cells reveals different ligand pharmacology. Br. J. Pharmacol. 2020 Jun 2. 177: 3975-3990
4. Falk-Petersen CB, Tsonkov T, Nielsen M, Harpsøe K, Bundgaard C, Frølund B, Kristiansen U, Gloriam D & Wellendorph P (2020). Discovery of a new class of orthosteric antagonists with nanomolar potency at extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Sci. Rep. 10:10078
5. Lie MEK, Gowing EK, Johansen NB, Dalby NO, Thiesen L, Wellendorph P & Clarkson A (2018). The GAT3 selective substrate L-isoserine upregulates GAT3 expression and increases functional recovery after a focal ischemic stroke in mice. J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 38: 166-173.
- The Lundbeck Foundation
2019-2024: PI and coordinator of thematic grant GHB-ACTION. Collaborators (co-PIs):
Geeske M. van Woerden
Andrew N. Clarkson
John Kuriyan
Bente Frølund
Birgitte Kornum - Hørslev Foundation
- Independent Research Fund Denmark
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation
2021-2026: PI and coordinator of Hallas-Møller Ascending Investigator grant (aGABAsign)Collaborators (co-PIs):
Margot Ernst
Andrew N. Clarkson
Bente Frølund
Ales Marek
Kristi Kohlmeier
Mike Gibson
2022
Team building
2021
Paddle tennis
2019
Escape Room Dec 2019
