AMPR receptor trafficking and membrane surface expression in models of cerebral ischemia (stroke)

A common consequence of stroke or heart attack is brain cell death. Studies indicate that an increase in AMPA, a type of neurotransmitter receptor on the surface of brain cells, may be one of the critical causes leading to brain cell death during a stroke. Yitao Liu is investigating the mechanisms that lead to an increase of AMPA receptors on the surface of brain cells. He hopes his work contributes to a better understanding of how brain cells die following a stroke and suggest ways to limit the activity of AMPA receptors and decrease brain cell death.