Feyza Sancar

 

 

E-mail: sancar@wisc.edu

Research Project:

In Professor Czajkowski's lab, I am working to characterize specific structural and pharmacological properties of the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid receptor A (GABAA R).

My research has focused on examining functional differences between the human 'wild-type' α1β 2γ2 GABAA receptor and the mutated α1β 2γ2 R43Q GABAA receptor (implicated in childhood epilepsy) using HEK 293 cells for heterologous expression of receptors. Using radiolabeled ligand binding techniques for functional analysis of receptors, in conjunction with immunoblotting and immunoflourescence techniques to assess receptor expression, I discovered that the γ2R43Q mutation impairs cell surface expression of αβγ receptors.

More recently, I have been working on determining the domains and specific residues on the Γ2 subunit of the GABAA receptor involved selectively in high affinity binding of the sedative-hypnotic sleep aid Zolpidem (Ambien®). By using radioligand binding techniques on heterologously expressed GABAA receptors containing chimeric γ2/α1 subunits and mutant γ2 subunits, I have identified residues in the γ2 subunit that are necessary for high affinity Zolpidem binding.

My ongoing and future experiments will use electrophysiological (two-electrode voltage clamp) techniques to assess the structural elements in the GABA receptor protein that dictate benzodiazepine efficacy.

 

Abstracts and Publications:

• Sancar, F., A.M. Kucken, J.A. Teissere, and C. Czajkowski. 2005. Determinants of high affinity zolpidem binding in the the γ2 subunit of the Gaba-A receptor. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.
• Sancar, F and C. Czajkowski. 2004. A GABAA receptor mutation linked to human epilepsy (γ2R43Q) impairs cell surface expression of αβγ receptors. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 47034-47039.
• Gottfried, J.A., F. Sancar, and A. Chatterjee. 2003. Acquired mirror writing and reading: Evidence for reflected graphemic representations. Neuropsychologia 41: 96-107. [PDF]
• Sancar, F. and C. Czajkowski. 2003. A GABA-A receptor mutation linked to human epilepsy (g2 R43Q) impairs abg receptor expression. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.
• Gottfried, J.A., F. Sancar, and A. Chatterjee. 2001. Acquired mirror writing: Evidence for reflected graphemic representations. Amer. Acad. Neurol. Abstr.
• Lease-Spellmeyer, J., F. Sancar, and A. Chatterjee. 2001. Spatial attention to color and shape following right brain damage. Cog. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.
• Thomas, E .,and F. Sancar. 2001. Electrical stimulation of the lateral septum and intraseptal benzodiazepines modulate activity of neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala of the rat. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.