Biophysical Society 60th Annual Meeting

Exhibitor Presentation Molecular Devices 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Room 513 Pushing the Performance Envelope: Evaluation of the NMDA Receptor Using Automated Electrophysiology and Fast Fluidics Ligand gated ion channels (LGICs) mediate fast synaptic transmission in the nervous system and are highly attractive drug targets due to the pivotal role they play in many physiological functions. The N-Methly-D- Aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a LGIC that is activated by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.  Functional impairment or over-excitation of the NMDA receptor occurs in a variety of disease states, however efficient screening for compounds that target the NMDA receptor remains elusive. Over the last decade, automated electrophysiology has become an indispensable tool for analyzing ion channel activities.  Here data will be presented evaluating the fluidic performance of automated patch clamp and its impact on measurement of NMDA receptor activity. We examine channel biophysics both in the presence and absence of extracellular Mg 2+ , calculate the EC 50 of glutamate and the IC 50 s of antagonists D-AP5 and Ifenprodil, and explore use-dependent blockage by MK801. We also examine differences between competitive and non-competitive inhibi- tion models.  Our studies demonstrate the robust fluidics performance of our automated electrophysiology system and its successful application to high-throughput screens and compound profiling assays targeting LGICs. Speaker Jeff Webber, Product Manager, Molecular Devices LLC Exhibitor Presentation Sutter Instrument 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Room 505 Scientists Empowering Scientists Patch clamp electrophysiology has matured from a highly specialized scientific technique to a recognized method used to address a variety of experimental questions. Sutter Instrument introduces a highly flexi- ble, intuitive patch clamp instrumentation and software package that enables the experimenter to quickly set up and perform routine tasks, yet remains highly configurable to meet the demands of the experienced electrophysiologist. We will demonstrate how the IPA™ Integrated Patch Amplifier and Sut- terPatch™ software can be used for a variety of commonly performed as- says, including the characterization of an ionic current and the recording of synaptic events in tissue slices. We will also highlight how the IPA and SutterPatch software provide easy access and flexibility to perform and fine-tune the most challenging acquisition and analysis scenarios. Building on the basic pipette pulling tutorials presented at the 2015 user meeting and a mid-year webinar, we will further teach advanced tech- niques that enable the user to create specialized pipette morphologies for unique applications. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion with hosts and speakers from the Sutter Instrument Tech Support Team. Who should attend? • Electrophysiologists who use amplifiers, micropipettes and microma- nipulators for patch clamp, sharp electrode or extracellular record- ings. • Researchers who performmicroinjections, including nuclear transfer, sperm injection and application of substances into cell cultures or intact organisms. Speakers Jan Dolzer, Tech Support and Product Development, Sutter Instrument Gregory Hjelmstad, Tech Support and Product Development, Sutter Instrument

Adair Oesterle, Tech Support Micropipette Fabrication and Microinjec- tion, Sutter Instrument Awards and National Lecture 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Concourse Hall Reception and Dance 9:30 pm - 12:00 am, J.W. Marriott - Diamond Ballroom Registrants are invited to attend the reception following the National Lecture. Badges will be required for admittance. Guest badges for this event are available for purchase during registration. Reception and Quiet Room 9:30 pm - 12:00 am, J.W. Marriott - Gold Ballroom Registrants are invited to attend the reception in a more quiet atmosphere following the National Lecture. Badges will be required for admittance. Guest badges for this event are available for purchase during registration.

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