Yu Tian Wang
Fellow
Current Employer
The University of British Columbia
Election Year
2006
Academy
Academy of Science
Discipline
Medical Sciences
Department
Brain Research Centre, UBC Hospital
Keywords
Neuroscience, synaptic plasticity, electrophysiology, cell culture, protein phosphorylation
Long Citation
The nominee has transformed the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity serving essential roles in cognition and emotion. Three revolutionary discoveries define Dr. Wang's career. He first demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation modulates NMDA/glutamate receptor channels. Next he provided an entirely novel mechanism for regulating postsynaptic responsiveness via a rapid translocation of ion channel receptors from an intracellular pool to cell surface. He also discovered that redistribution of AMPA receptors between surface membranes and intracellular compartments is fundamental to synaptic plasticity. His most revolutionary discovery demonstrated that dopamine and GABA receptors influence each other via protein-protein interactions. These discoveries will guide development of novel drugs for modulation of aberrant synaptic plasticity related to mental illness.
Short Citation
Yu Tian Wang has transformed the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity serving essential roles in cognition and emotion. Dr. Wang's most revolutionary discovery demonstrated that dopamine and GABA receptors influence each other via protein-protein interactions. The discoveries made by Dr. Wang have been used to guide the development of novel drugs for modulation of aberrant synaptic plasticity related to mental illness.
The nominee has transformed the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity serving essential roles in cognition and emotion. Three revolutionary discoveries define Dr. Wang's career. He first demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation modulates NMDA/glutamate receptor channels. Next he provided an entirely novel mechanism for regulating postsynaptic responsiveness via a rapid translocation of ion channel receptors from an intracellular pool to cell surface. He also discovered that redistribution of AMPA receptors between surface membranes and intracellular compartments is fundamental to synaptic plasticity. His most revolutionary discovery demonstrated that dopamine and GABA receptors influence each other via protein-protein interactions. These discoveries will guide development of novel drugs for modulation of aberrant synaptic plasticity related to mental illness.
Short Citation
Yu Tian Wang has transformed the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity serving essential roles in cognition and emotion. Dr. Wang's most revolutionary discovery demonstrated that dopamine and GABA receptors influence each other via protein-protein interactions. The discoveries made by Dr. Wang have been used to guide the development of novel drugs for modulation of aberrant synaptic plasticity related to mental illness.