Jim Trimmer

As neuroscience enters the post-genomic era, a major goal is the translation of genomic sequence information into a molecular understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal information processing and transfer. Trimmer’s laboratory research focuses on protein function, biochemical pathways and networks of protein-protein interactions regulating intra- and inter-cellular signaling in mammalian neurons. In particular, we are interested in signaling complexes organized by voltage-sensitive ion channels. Ion channels determine the intrinsic electrical properties of neurons and how these cells respond to external stimuli, integrate the encoded information and generate an appropriate response. Modern proteomic techniques have allowed for insights into protein networks organized by ion channels that convert complex information encoded in electrical signals into biochemical signals universally recognized within the neuron. Our studies are aimed at a molecular understanding of how neuronal ion channels generate and maintain the fidelity of neuronal signaling, and how these processes can be dynamically regulated to generate neuronal plasticity. Such information is necessary for an increased understanding of not only the normal functional plasticity of neurons, but also in understanding of disease states where neuronal function is altered and effects of acute external insults such as ischemia and drugs of abuse, and represent a key step towards the development of therapeutics that can address these and other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Moreover, these studies are representative of approaches that would prove advantageous to studies on other neuronal signaling proteins. To better translate findings from genome-based studies, we have also established the UC Davis/NIH NeuroMab facility, to use information on proteins encoded in the human and other genomes to generate renewable and recombinant monoclonal antibodies and make them available in an open source manner to the research community.