۲ݮƵ

Roderick McInnes

Academic title(s): 

Professor Department of Biochemistry, Department of Human Genetics

Roderick McInnes
Contact Information
Address: 

Lady Davis Institute
Jewish General Hospital
3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road
Office: Rm F-15; Lab: Rm F-628
Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2

Email address: 
rod.mcinnes [at] mcgill.ca
Phone: 
Office: 514-340-8110
Lab: 514-340-8222 Ext 6155
Department: 
Biochemistry
Human Genetics
Area(s): 
Genetics
Neurochemistry
Degree(s): 

1978 - Ph.D., ۲ݮƵ University

Current research: 

Retinal de۲ݮƵ

Our lab is interested in two major questions in biology and medicine. First, in inherited neurode۲ݮƵ, we wish to understand what is happening in the mutant neurons, in the years to decades between their birth and their death years to decades later. After decades of normal function, why do the neurons suddenly die? To address this question, we are identifying molecular mechanisms that contribute to, or protect against the death of mutant photoreceptors (PRs) in inherited photoreceptor de۲ݮƵ (IPDs) using mouse models of these diseases. Understanding of these mechanisms is likely to suggest therapeutic opportunities that will slow or arrest PR death. Second, we wish to understand the roles of “accessory” proteins in the regulation of ion channels in neurons, particularly at synapses. Our focus is on two such proteins that we discovered, Neto1 and Neto2. The Neto proteins are multifunctional, as indicated by their loss-of-function phenotypes, which include defects in axon guidance, seizures in some genetic backgrounds, defects in memory and learning, and abnormal regulation of neuronal excitability. To date, we have identified at least 5 ion channels or other neuronal proteins whose activity is or appears to be regulated by a Neto. Elucidation of the role of the Netos in the brain is increasing our understanding of a surprisingly broad range of fundamental neuronal processes.

Selected publications: 

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