Research

The Rittenhouse lab examines protein-protein, protein-lipid, protein-small molecule, and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Disruptions of these interactions lead to certain diseases. This research focus highlights functional aspects of molecular interactions across a spectrum of preparations from established immortalized cell lines to primary neurons, human pancreatic b-cells and human iPSCs.  Many of our studies involve measuring activity of molecules in real time using state-of-the-art imaging methodologies, secretion assays, and electrophysiological methodologies. Our goals are to reveal how specific molecules interact and function under normal and pathological conditions.

Diseases result from physiological changes in our bodies that adversely affect our health. Ultimately, these disease precipitating changes occur at the molecular level. Every molecule has binding partners that form a functional cassette often used in many cell types. Using this information, we build upon these molecular interactions to predict function at the systems level and identify therapeutic targets for treating brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Stroke, and Schizophrenia.

The Rittenhouse lab has a long-standing interest in N-type VGCCs (Fig. 1) because of their special position in the nervous system. They coordinate electrical activity occurring at the cell membrane with underlying biochemical and transcriptional events. N-VGCCs are found only in nerve cells and neuronally-derived tissues, are associated with the regulation of transmitter synthesis, and initiate release from most presynaptic nerve endings. They are the most extensively modulated VGCCs in the brain in that more pathways exist for their modulation than for any other type.