Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Research in the Currie lab encompasses the ion channels, transporters, and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that control neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter secretion in the peripheral nervous system. Currently, our main focus is control of the sympathetic stress response by serotonin (5-HT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT). Genetic variations in SERT are associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism. Furthermore, SERT is a target for some psychostimulant drugs and widely prescribed antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - SSRIs). Our work is the first to show that SERT and 5-HT control catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells, the neuroendocrine arm of the sympathetic nervous system. We hypothesize that this constitutes a key peripheral hub for serotonergic control of the sympathetic stress response. In another project, we are investigating the mechanisms that regulate excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons which convey sensory information (pain / itch) to the CNS. In both these projects we combine genetic models (transgenic mice) with biochemical and physiological techniques including patch-clamp electrophysiology, carbon fiber amperometry, and fluorescent calcium imaging. Our overall goal is to understand the fundamental physiological mechanisms that control neuronal function and to identify potential therapeutic targets for treatment of nervous and endocrine system disorders in which these finely tuned processes are disrupted. (See publications in PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/kevin.currie.1/bibliography/40312757/public/?sort=date&direction=descending)
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About Kevin Currie
Research in the Currie lab encompasses the ion channels, transporters, and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that control neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter secretion in the peripheral nervous system. Currently, our main focus is control of the sympathetic stress response by serotonin (5-HT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT). Genetic variations in SERT are associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism. Furthermore, SERT is a target for some psychostimulant drugs and widely prescribed antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - SSRIs). Our work is the first to show that SERT and 5-HT control catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells, the neuroendocrine arm of the sympathetic nervous system. We hypothesize that this constitutes a key peripheral hub for serotonergic control of the sympathetic stress response. In another project, we are investigating the mechanisms that regulate excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons which convey sensory information (pain / itch) to the CNS. In both these projects we combine genetic models (transgenic mice) with biochemical and physiological techniques including patch-clamp electrophysiology, carbon fiber amperometry, and fluorescent calcium imaging. Our overall goal is to understand the fundamental physiological mechanisms that control neuronal function and to identify potential therapeutic targets for treatment of nervous and endocrine system disorders in which these finely tuned processes are disrupted. (See publications in PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/kevin.currie.1/bibliography/40312757/public/?sort=date&direction=descending)
| July 2023 - Present | Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University ‐ Cooper Medical School of Rowan University | |
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| August 2017 - June 2023 | Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University ‐ Cooper Medical School of Rowan University | |
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| February 2012 - July 2017 | Associate Professor of Anesthesiology & Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University ‐ School of Medicine | |
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| October 2002 - January 2012 | Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology & Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University ‐ School of Medicine | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Grants
| 2023 - Present | Serotonergic control of the sympathoadrenal stress response |
| NIH (NINDS) - R15 NS132585 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2018 - Present | The role of the glial engulfment receptor Jedi1 in regulating sensory neuron function |
| NIH (NINDS) - R01NS102365 | |
| Role: co-investigator (PI for subcontract) | |
| Colleague(s): PI: Bruce Carter, Vanderbilt University | |
| 2017 - 2020 | Control of Adrenal Catecholamine Secretion: a Novel Role for the Serotonin Transporter |
| American Heart Association - 17GRNT33661156 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2013 - 2016 | Serotonin transporter-mediated regulation of neuroendocrine exocytosis |
| NIH (NINDS) - R21NS081492 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2012 - 2013 | Lab-on-a-chip Microfluidic Device for Integrative Analyses of Sympathoadrenal - Cardiomyocyte Interactions |
| American Heart Association - 12IRG9070003 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2011 - 2013 | Regulation of Adrenal Catecholamine Release by Prostaglandin E2 |
| American Heart Association - 11GRNT7890031 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2006 - 2013 | G-protein regulation of exocytotic transmitter release |
| NIH (NINDS) - R01NS052446 | |
| Role: PI | |
| 2006 - 2011 | G Protein Structure and Function |
| NIH - R01EY010291 | |
| Role: co-investigator (10% effort) | |
| Colleague(s): PI: Heidi Hamm, Vanderbilt University | |
| 2006 - 2008 | Control of Calcium Channel Currents and Catecholamine Secretion During Physiological Trains of Action Potentials |
| American Heart Association - AHA 0665219B | |
| Role: PI |
