Greg Macleod

Education

• Ph.D., University of Sydney, 2000

Research Interests

• The ways in which mitochondria support neurotransmission and influence synaptic plasticity
• The mechanisms responsible for pH homeostasis at synapses and their influence on synaptic plasticity
• The mechanisms supporting neurotransmission most vulnerable to aging

Research Description

Rapid communication between cells is the basis for most of the functions of the nervous system, including sensory transduction, learning, memory, and locomotion. Most cells of the nervous system communicate at synapses, specialized sites at which closely opposed cells release chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Our laboratory investigates the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells and factors that influence their release, such as mitochondria, pH, and age. We use electrophysiology and high-speed fluorescence imaging to construct a molecular, biophysical, and physiological understanding of neurotransmitter release. We conduct our studies primarily in the fruit fly because of its molecular genetic advantages but also conduct studies in mice to examine the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction and age on neurotransmitter release in a vertebrate nervous system.

Recent Publications

• Ugur, B., Bao, H., Stawarski, M., Duraine, L.R., Zuo, Z., Lin, Y.Q., Neely, G.G., Macleod, G.T., Chapman, E.R., Bellen, H.J. (2017). The Krebs cycle enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 3A couples mitochondrial metabolism to synaptic transmission.  Cell Reports, 21, 3794-3806.
• Rossano, A.J., Kato, A., Minard, K.I., Romero, M.F., Macleod, G.T. (2017). Na+/H+ exchange via the Drosophila vesicular glutamate transporter mediates activity-induced acid efflux from presynaptic terminals.  Journal of Physiology, 595, 805-824.
• Lu, Z., Chouhan, A.K., Borycz, J.A., Lu, Z., Rossano, A.J., Brain, K.L., Zhou, Y., Meinertzhagen, I.A., Macleod, G.T. (2016). High-probability neurotransmitter release sites represent an energy-efficient design.  Current Biology, 26, 2562-2571.