Prof. Dr. med. Jochen Roeper

Tel +49-(0)-69-6301-84091/2
Fax +49-(0)-69-6301-6987

roeperem.uni-frankfurt.de

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Scientific Focus

The group focusses on the physiology and pathophysiology of the dopaminergic midbrain system, which is involved in key brain functions like voluntary movement, motivation and cogition. The dopaminergic system is involved in major brain disorders like Parkinson diseases, Schizophrenia or ADHD. We study the mechanisms and chronic plasticity of ion channels and electrical activity generated by different subtypes of dopaminergic midbrain neurons and their role of function and dysfunction in the brain.

Methods

We mainly use in vitro and in vivo patch-clamp and microelectrode recordings in mouse brain combined with neuroanatomical tracing, stereology, immunohistochemistry and transgenic as well es neurotoxicological models.

Selected Publications

Miki T, Liss B, Minami K, Shiuchi T, Saraya A, Kashima Y, Horiuchi M, Ashcroft F, Minokoshi Y, Roeper J, Seino S (2001) ATP-sensitive K+channels in the hypothalamus are essential for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Nature Neuroscience 4, 507-512

Wolfart J, Roeper J. (2002) Selective coupling of T-type calcium channels to SK potassium channels prevents intrinsic bursting in dopaminergic midbrain neurons. J Neuroscience 22:3404-13

Liss B, Haeckel O, Wildmann J, Miki T, Seino S, Roeper J. (2005) K-ATP channels promote the differential degeneration of dopaminergic midbrain neurons. Nature Neuroscience 8, 1742-51.

Zolles G, Klocker N, Wenzel D, Weisser-Thomas J, Fleischmann BK, Roeper J, Fakler B. (2006) Pacemaking by HCN channels requires interaction with phosphoinositides. Neuron 52, 1027-36.

Lammel S, Hetzel A, Haeckel 0, Jones I, Liss B, Roeper J (2008) Unique properties of mesoprefrontal neurons within a dual mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Neuron, in press