​Heather Rice, Ph.D.

Education

​​Postdoctoral Fellowship 2013-2019, VIB-KU Leuven, Belgium

​​PhD Neurobiology 2013, Harvard University​

​​​BS Zoology-Biomedical Sciences 2007, University of Oklahoma


​Research Overview

The molecular mechanisms regulating the normal function of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) has largely remained elusive despite its central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Rice recently identified the GABA type B receptor subunit 1a (GABABR1a) as a synaptic receptor for the shed APP ectodomain (sAPP) and revealed a physiological role for sAPP in regulating GABABR1a function to modulate synaptic transmission.

Current work of the lab is aimed at further dissecting the role of APP in specific cell types of the brain and determining the consequences of this signaling on brain circuitry and disease pathways. The lab aims to exploit this normal function of APP to counteract disease processes and develop novel strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

​Rice Lab

Heather Rice, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

​Suyesha Bhandari, B.C.

​Research Technician

​Contact

​University of Oklahoma Health Science Center

​975 NE 10th Street, SLY-BRC 1366

Oklahoma City OK 73104

​Phone: ​(405) 271-8000 ext.47815

Publications

CV Link