Gavin Rumbaugh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Adjunct Assistant Professor - Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Ph.D., Georgetown University School of Medicine, 2000
Department of Neuroscience
130 Scripps Way C349
Jupiter, Florida 33458
Telephone: 561-228-3461
Fax: 561-228-3049
Email: grumbaug@scripps.edu
Website: http://rumbaugh.florida.scripps.edu
Research Interests
The goal of my lab is to understand how synaptic proteins actively contribute to memory formation and storage. Presently, we are focused on the mechanical processes at synapses that induce structural and functional plasticity. My laboratory has recently discovered that Myosin II motor activity drives actin polymerization that stabilizes LTP and memory formation. It’s our assertion that if Myosin II/actin processes could be manipulated experimentally in a non-invasive manner, then this system could be used to improve cognition in humans with memory disorders. We are presently combining molecular-genetic, electrophysiological and biochemical analyses with rodent model systems of associative learning to understand how Myosin II motor activity at synapses regulates actin dynamics to promote information storage and memory. Our ultimate goal is to discover compounds that can restore memory in persons with Alzheimer’s disease, while also improving brain function in older people.
Our lab also is focused on understanding how experience and genetics interact during childhood and adolescence to trigger the development of adult intellectual abilities. SynGAP, a synaptic RasGAP, regulates synapse structure and function in developing animals. Recently, it has been shown that genetic mutations in SynGAP can cause Non-Syndromic Mental Retardation (NSMR). Thus, our recently published mouse model of SynGAP dysfunction is a promising model of Mental Retardation, and by extension, this model could also provide a better understanding of childhood intellectual development. In these studies, we use electrophysiological and two-photon imaging methods to probe SynGAP-mediated signaling at synapses that facilitates development of brain circuits and the onset of adult cognitive modalities.
Selected Publications
Rumbaugh G, Adams JP, Kim JH, Huganir RL. (2006) SynGAP regulates synaptic strength and mitogen-activated protein kinases in cultured neurons. PNAS 21;103(12):4344-51(Featured Article)
Shepherd JS*, Rumbaugh G*, Chowdhury A, Huganir RL, Worley P. (2006) Arc regulates homeostatic synaptic scaling of AMPA receptors in cultured neurons. Neuron. 52(3):475-484. *Co-First Author; (Cover Article) (Featured Article) (Faculty of 1000 selection) (>100 Citations)
Guo X, Hamilton PJ, Reish NJ, Sweatt JD, Miller CA, Rumbaugh G. (2009) Reduced expression of the NMDA receptor-interacting protein SynGAP causes behavioral abnormalities that model symptoms of schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology. 34: 1659-1672. (Cover Article)
Kilgore M, Miller CA, Haggarty SJ, Sweatt JD, Rumbaugh G. (2010) Class 1 histone deacetylase inhibitors reverse contextual memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychopharmacology. 35: 870-880. (Cover Article)(Featured Article)(Faculty of 1000 selection)
Miller CA, Gavin CF, White JA, Parrish RR, Honasoge A, Yancey CR, Rivera IM, Rubio MD, Rumbaugh G, Sweatt JD. ( 2010) Cortical DNA methylation maintains remote memory. Nat Neurosci. 13(6):664-6. (Faculty of 1000 selection)
Rex CS, Gavin CF, Rubio MD, Kramar EA, Chen LY, Jia Y, Huganir RL, Muzyczka N, Gall CM, Miller CA, Lynch G, Rumbaugh G. (2010) Myosin IIb regulates actin dynamics during synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Neuron, 67(4):603-617 (Cover Article)
Rubio MD, Johnson RC, Miller CA, Huganir RL, Rumbaugh G. (2011) Regulation of synapse structure and function by distinct Myosin II motors. J Neurosci. 31(4): 1448-60.
Gavin CF, Rubio MD, Young E, Miller CA, Rumbaugh G. (2011) Myosin II motor activity in the lateral amygdala is required for fear memory consolidation. Learn Mem. Dec 14; 19(1): 9-14. doi: 10.1101/lm.024042.111. Print 2012 Jan.
Kramár EA, Babayan AH, Gavin CF, Cox CD, Jafari M, Gall CM, Rumbaugh G*, Lynch G.* (2012) Synaptic Evidence for the Efficacy of Spaced Learning. PNAS In Press (*Co-corresponding author)
Awards, Recognition, Appointments, and Honors
1996 NCAA/NAIA Academic All-America (Westminster College)
2002 National Research Scholar Award
2006 Alabama Health Sciences Foundation Scholar
2009 NARSAD Young Investigator Award
2009 Faculty Research Award, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP)