Clivel George Charlton, Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman,
Department of Neurobiology and Neurotoxicology
(615)-327-6510
WBS, 3201
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37208
ccharlton@mmc.edu
Lab URL
CV or Bio (PDF)
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| Professional Education |
1972, B.S. degree, Biological & Vet. Sciences, Tuskegee University
1974, M.S. degree, Biological & Vet. Sciences, Tuskegee University
1977, M.S. degree, Pharmacology, University of California
1983, Ph.D. degree, Pharmacology/Neuroscience, Howard University |
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| Research Interests |
Dr. Charlton’s laboratory is exploring the possible causal relationship between excess methylation in the brain and Parkinson's disease. Methylation depletes the amount of the essential neurotransmitter dopamine and increases levels of lyso-phosphatidyl choline, which disrupts the structure of biological membranes in the microcompartment where this occurs. Dr. Charlton and his colleagues have observed that injection of the methyl donor, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), into the brain of rodents results in extensive brain methylation and causes transient tremor, hypokinesia, rigidity and abnormal posture, changes that resemble the motor deterioration that accompanies. Consistent with their hypothesis of a role of methylation in the pathway leading to Parkinson's disease is the finding that MPP+, a toxic metabolite linked to Parkinson’s disease development in human beings, increases SAM-dependent methylation in the brain. Their laboratory is exploring possible therapeutic interventions to alter these methylation processes. Interestingly, a current Parkinson's therapy, L-dopa, diminishes the Parkinson’s-like symptoms in SAM-injected rats. However, there are considerable side effects and loss of effects of L-dopa when given therapeutically. Dr. Charlton and his colleagues are also exploring the molecular basis for these unwanted treatment sequelae. |
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| Selected Publications |
Shepherd KR, Lee ES, Schmued L, Jiao Y, Ali SF, Oriaku ET, Lamango NS, Soliman KF, Charlton CG. The potentiating effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on paraquat-induced neurochemical and behavioral changes in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2006;83:349-59.
Lee ES, Chen H, Charlton CG, Soliman KF. The role of phospholipid methylation in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Neurotoxicology. 2005; 26:945-57.
Lee ES, Chen H, Soliman KF, Charlton CG. Effects of homocysteine on the dopaminergic system and behavior in rodents. Neurotoxicology. 2005; 26: 361-71.
Lee ES, Soliman KF, Charlton CG. Lysophosphatidylcholine decreases locomotor activities and dopamine turnover rate in rats. Neurotoxicology. 2005;26:27-38.
Kim JS, Coon SL, Blackshaw S, Cepko CL, Moller M, Mukda S, Zhao WQ, Charlton CG, Klein DC. Methionine adenosyltransferase:adrenergic-cAMP mechanism regulates a daily rhythm in pineal expression. J Biol Chem. 2005;280: 677-84. |
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