ROBERT C. FOEHRING, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Address

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

855 Monroe Avenue, Suite 515

Memphis, TN 38163

Tel: (901) 448-7450; Fax: (901) 448-7193;

Lab: 216 Wittenborg Anatomy Building

Education

Ph.D. Institution: University of Florida, Department of Neuroscience

Postdoctoral: University of Washington, Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Research Interests

Current research focuses on neurons in the cerebral cortex and amygdaloid nuclei. Specifically, we examine (1) the roles of ion channels in determining neuronal integrative properties, (2) the diversity of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ and K⁺ channels, (3) modulation of ionic currents and neuronal firing behavior by transmitters (e.g., norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine), and (4) the postnatal development of neuronal integrative behavior. We are particularly interested the coupling of intracellular [Ca²⁺] to activation of Ca-dependent K⁺ channels. The approach is primarily electrophysiological, employing patch clamp recordings, pharmacological and genetic manipulations, and calcium imaging techniques. Two preparations are used: in vitro brain slice and acutely dissociated neurons.

Recent Publications

• Foehring RC, Zhang XF, Lee JC, Callaway JC. Endogenous calcium buffering capacity of substantia nigral dopamine neurons. J Neurophysiol. 2009 Oct;102(4):2326-33. Epub 2009 Aug 12. PMID: 19675297
• Goldberg JA, Teagarden MA, Foehring RC, Wilson CJ. Nonequilibrium calcium dynamics regulate the autonomous firing pattern of rat striatal cholinergic interneurons. J Neurosci. 2009 Jul 1;29(26):8396-407. PMID: 19571130
• Foehring RC. Who needs A current? Functional remodelling in the Kv4.2-/- mouse. J Physiol. 2008 Mar 15;586(6):1461. No abstract available. PMID: 18344224
• Guan D, Tkatch T, Surmeier DJ, Armstrong WE, Foehring RC. Kv2 subunits underlie slowly inactivating potassium current in rat neocortical pyramidal neurons. J Physiol. 2007 Jun 15;581(Pt 3):941-60. Epub 2007 Mar 22. PMID: 17379638
• Guan D, Lee JC, Higgs MH, Spain WJ, Foehring RC. Functional roles of Kv1 channels in neocortical pyramidal neurons. J Neurophysiol. 2007 Mar;97(3):1931-40. Epub 2007 Jan 10. PMID: 17215507
• Guan D, Lee JC, Tkatch T, Surmeier DJ, Armstrong WE, Foehring RC. Expression and biophysical properties of Kv1 channels in supragranular neocortical pyramidal neurones. J Physiol. 2006 Mar 1;571(Pt 2):371-89. Epub 2005 Dec 22. Erratum in: J Physiol. 2006 Apr 1;572(Pt 1):307. PMID: 16373387

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