Use of KCC2 DNA plasmid transfection to modulate chloride homeostasis in cultured dopamine-neuron like cells

Authors

Jacqueline N. Farolan Ms., Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Ashlee Szwedko, Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Mason Terry, Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Andrew Payne PhD., Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Dario Mizrachi PhD., Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow

Description

Potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) works in opposition to Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) to maintain low intracellular chloride concentrations in neurons. In immature neurons, there are high levels of NKCC1 and low levels of KCC2, which creates a high intracellular chloride concentration. Increased KCC2, therefore decreased chloride concentration, creates a GABA switch, switching immature neurons to mature neurons. This changes the activity of GABA from excitatory to inhibitory. Decreased KCC2 has been found to be correlated with reward seeking behaviors in the dopaminergic circuitry. Our study aims to artificially upregulate KCC2 and therefore decrease chloride concentrations in neurons. In the future, we hope to propel this study into animal research, as a potential therapy for substance use disorder.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

KCC2, DNA plasmid transfection, chloride homeostasis

Document Type

Poster

Recommended Citation

Farolan, Jacqueline N. Ms.; Szwedko, Ashlee; Terry, Mason; Payne, Andrew PhD.; and Mizrachi, Dario PhD., "Use of KCC2 DNA plasmid transfection to modulate chloride homeostasis in cultured dopamine-neuron like cells" (2026). Annual Research Symposium. 8.
https://ecommons.roseman.edu/researchsymposium/2026/basic_sciences/8