Diane Lipscombe
Professor:
Neuroscience
Phone: +1 401 863 1092
Phone 2: +1 401 863 1054
Diane_Lipscombe@Brown.EDU
We study the cellular mechanisms that control the precise architectural features of calcium ion channels in neurons. These mechanisms tell us how voltage-gated calcium ion channels control such a vast and disparate array of neuronal functions. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing fine tunes calcium ion channel structure in specific neurons for optimal performance. Our work addresses basic mechanisms that control calcium channel function in normal as well as in disease states, including chronic pain and mental illness.
Biography
I graduated with a PhD in Pharmacology from University College London in 1986. My journey into the world of calcium ion channels started when I joined Richard Tsien as a postdoc at Yale University and subsequently Stanford University. In 1992 I joined the Department of Neuroscience where I work closely with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral trainees. I direct the Neuroscience Graduate Program.
Interests
Voltage-gated calcium channels, the gatekeepers of excitation-driven calcium entry in all excitable cells, control a diverse array of functions. Alternative splicing expands functional capabilities and contributes greatly to the expansion of the proteome required to support complex brain functions. We study alternative splicing of voltage-gated calcium channels. Our work is relevant to basic mechanisms that control channel function in normal and in disease states, including chronic pain and mental illness
Select publications
Fairbrother, W & Lipscombe, D (2008). Repressing the neuron within. Bioessays 30:1-4
Raingo J, Castiglioni AJ, Lipscombe D. (2007) Alternative splicing controls G protein-dependent inhibition of N-type calcium channels in nociceptors. Nat Neurosci, 10, 285-92.
Gray AC, Raingo J, Lipscombe D. (2007) Neuronal calcium channels: Splicing for optimal performance. Cell Calcium 42:409-417.
Altier C, Dale CS, Kisilevsky AE, Chapman K, Castiglioni AJ, Matthews EA, Evans RM, Dickenson AH, Lipscombe D, Vergnolle N, Zamponi GW. (2007) Differential role of N-type calcium channel splice isoforms in pain. J Neurosci, 27, 6363-73.
Castiglioni, AJ, Raingo, J & Lipscombe, D. (2006). Alternative splicing in the C-terminus of CaV2.2 controls surface expression and gating of N-type calcium channels. Revision in submission. Journal of Physiology. 576:119-134.
Degrees
Ph.D., University College, London
Awards
1982 Graduate student fellowship, Medical Research Council, U.K.
1989 Fellow of the American Heart Association, CA affiliate
1995 Steinbach Fellow, Marine Biological Labs
1996 K02 Independent Scientist Award (NIH)
1998-99 Richard and Edna Salomon Assistant Professor
1999-2003 Member NIH Study Section NINDS
2001-2004 Council member Society of General Physiologists
2002-present Editorial Board, Journal of Neurophysiology
2003-2007 Reviewing Editor Journal of Neuroscience
2007-present Publications Committee Society for Neuroscience
2009 Harriet W Sheridan Award for Distinguished Teaching
Affiliations
Member of the Board of Butler Hospital, Providence, RI
Editorial Board: Journal of Neurophysiology
Member: Publication Committee Society for Neuroscience
Member: Society for Neuroscience
Teaching
I was honored to receive the 2008 Harriet W. Sheridan Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and Learning at Brown.
I direct the Neuroscience Graduate Program.
I teach one of the 1st year core graduate courses BN203. This course explores cellular and molecular neurobiology.
I co-organize a graduate level "Bench to Bedside" course with Dr. Stephen Rasmussen, Butler Hospital.
I also organize a skills workshop series for the graduate students.
Funded Research
Title: Neuronal Ca channels: Regulation and Function.
PI: Diane Lipscombe
Agency: National Institutes of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type: R01 NS29967 (Years 14-17)
Period 1/1/06 - 12/31/10
Direct costs current period: $200,000
Total Direct Costs entire period: $800,000
Title: "Predoctoral Training Program in Neuroscience"
Principle Investigator: Diane Lipscombe
Agency NIH-NIMH
Type: T32MH020068 (Years 6-10)
Period 7/1/06-6/30/11
Title: N-type calcium channel in nociceptive neurons"
PI: Diane Lipscombe
Agency: NIH-NINDS
Type: R01 NS055251-01
Period 7/1/06-3/31/10 (Years 1-5)
Requested Direct costs $250,000 each year
Requested Total Direct Costs, entire period: $1,000,000
