Case Study: University of Michigan advances NMDAR research with Molecular Devices patch-clamp solutions

University of Michigan identifies NMDAR pore residues with Molecular Devices

Researchers at the University of Michigan used Molecular Devices equipment to investigate why two drugs, memantine and MK-801, have very different effects on NMDAR ion channels despite binding to the same site. Their challenge was to detect tiny changes in electrical current with high sensitivity and to deliver the drug blockers with precise timing during their experiments.

The solution from Molecular Devices involved a setup using their MultiClamp 700B amplifier, Digidata 1550B acquisition system, and pCLAMP software. This integrated system provided the needed sensitivity and allowed precise digital control of drug delivery. With vendor support, the team successfully identified key amino acid residues influencing the drugs' actions, advancing early-stage research for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

University of Michigan