Research Profile

Mark Rae

Biography

Scientific research background: I was awarded a B.Sc. (Hons) in Pharmacology at the University of Aberdeen and a Ph.D. in smooth muscle Physiology from the University of Glasgow. After a short period at the University of Strathclyde working with Dr. Charles Kennedy to investigate the putative role of purines in pain signalling, I then moved to Reno, Nevada, U.S.A. for two years to work with Dr. Kathy Keef investigating various aspects of smooth muscle physiology using human, canine and murine gastrointestinal tissue. Upon returning to Scotland to work with Dr. Andy Irving in both Aberdeen and Dundee University, I utilised simultaneous electrophysiological and imaging techniques to determine the function of metabotropic glutamate receptor signalling in central neurons. Prior to joining UCC I spent nearly three years in industry using my accumulated electrophysiological and calcium imaging expertise to characterise potential novel pharmaceutical solutions for the treatment of neuropathic (centrally-mediated) pain. I was appointed as a full-time lecturer in Physiology at University College Cork in October 2008 after working for a year as undergraduate laboratory coordinator.

Scientific research:  My scientific interest lies in understanding neuronal function in health and disease by, for example investigating the intracellular mechanisms underlying metabotropic glutamatergic and muscarinic receptor signalling in central neurons. This research has more recently focussed on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitive dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To this end, we were one of the first groups in Ireland to grow cerebroids (i.e. brain organoids) from human stem cells which we are using to understand the aetiology of these conditions. 
My research in this area is facilitated principally by the use of whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological recording, whilst simultaneously measuring intracellular ion levels using fluorescent imaging techniques. These methodologies are complemented by a variety of molecular approaches that are used to investigate factors such as receptor expression and regulation within central neurons.

Pedagogical research background: In 2016 I graduated with a first class Masters degree in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Through this, I have developed an interest in pedagogy (the theory and practice of education) and in 2017 was appointed as a Fellow to the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL). I am specifically interested in utilising, and examining the utility of, novel technological tools such as student response systems and, more recently, virtual reality (VR) technology, with which to improve student learning and understanding.

I am also the current representative of The Physiological Society for UCC (https://www.physoc.org/)







Research Interests

Scientific
My scientific research is focussed upon cellular signalling in central neurons utilising whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology combined with intracellular calcium imaging. This work is aimed at developing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying learning and memory, both in health and in conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease where cognition and/or memory are adversely affected.

My primary research focusses on the role that intracellular calcium signalling (e.g. through activation of endoplasmic reticulum IP3 and ryanodine receptors) plays in hippocampal neuronal signalling. Initial work in this area demonstrated that group I metabotropic receptors (I-mGluRs) could potentially act as a novel form of coincidence detector within the CNS, a role that previously been ascribed to NMDA receptors alone (Rae et al., 2000). Further work clarified the relative contribution of the two subtypes of I-mGluRs expressed within hippocampal neurons to the calcium and electrical signals generated by stimulation of these receptors (Rae & Irving, 2004).

My work has sought to investigate the role that neuronal calcium dysregulation plays in the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease (using models of the familial form of the disease). In pursuit of this, we have shown that calcium signalling processes such as those mediated by I-mGluRs and cyclic ADP ribose production (leading to activation of RyRs on the ER), as well as store-operated calcium entry are significantly disrupted in transgenic hippocampal neurons relative to control neurons.
More recently, supported by an Eli-Lilly scholarship award, we have begun to investigate AD-mediated molecular processes in, arguably, a much more physiologically-relevant experimental model, the 3D cerebroid, or "mini-brain", which are grown from human pluripotent stem cells.
Additionally, using a combination of behavioural, electrophysiological and biochemical techniques, and in collaboration with Dr Dervla O'Malley (Physiology, UCC), we are also currently investigating the molecular processes underlying the poorly understood cognitive dysfunction seen in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

For these, and previous projects, I have participated in a number of research collaborations (both within and outwith UCC) investigating, for example, biochemical factors which may cause the disrupted calcium signalling we observe in transgenic Alzheimer's disease neurons (Geert Bultynck, Belgium), electrophysiological responses of enteric neurons in irritable bowel syndrome (Dervla O'Malley, UCC) and the effect of AD patient-derived cerebrospinal fluid on biomarkers of AD in human cerebroids (Drs Suzanne Timmons (UCC) & Prof. Sean Kennelly (Tallaght Hospital, Dublin)).

Teaching
An emerging area of research for me is the interrogation of my own teaching as an act of scholarship.
Based upon current pedagogy, I have trialled/adopted various teaching methodologies since 2013, all of which have been geared towards increasing active student participation during class time, with a view to increasing the understanding and application of taught material. These methodologies include:
Producing pre-recorded short introductory, and full lecture length, vodcasts (using Panopto®) of lecture material for students to view both before and after (for review purposes) attending lectures (see Rae & McCarthy, 2017; Rae & O’Malley, 2016 & 2017).
Pre-lecture quizzes (posted on Blackboard) to provide ‘first pass’ exposure to lecture topics prior to attending class. ‘Semi-flipped’ classroom teaching, whereby class time is used to interrogate students’ knowledge (i.e. through discussion, application, questioning, etc.) of material they have been asked to study prior to attending class.
Have integrated lectures with Socrative®, an online student response system with which students can anonymously answer questions posed by me using their smartphones or tablets. The percentage of correct (and incorrect) answers is displayed in real time allowing the provision of immediate feedback to the class.



Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
The use of Virtual Reality to enhance the teaching of Physiology and Clinical SkillsHigher Education Authority (HEA)01-OCT-22€52,000.00
Can Supralinear Intracellular Calcium Responses be Generated in Acutely Dissociated Hippocampal Neurons from a Murine Model of Alzheimer’s Disease?University College Cork04-JUN-1230-JUL-12€2,000.00
Does Alzheimer's disease alter the electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal neurone activity in young animals?University College Cork07-JUN-1126-JUL-11€1,000.00
Physiological Society Departmental Seminar SchemeThe Physiological Society05-JUN-1731-JUL-21€3,000.00
UCC Strategic Research Fund 2012 (Co-applicant)UCC Strategic Research Fund01-AUG-12€3,285.00
Strategic Repair FundUCC Strategic Research Fund01-AUG-13€1,500.00
Examination of calcium responses in hippocampal neurons of a murine model of AD (the 3xTg-AD mouse)The Physiological Society07-JUN-1002-AUG-10€1,500.00
An investigation of the potential role of the Mas-related receptor D (MrgD) in G-protein-mediated calcium signalling in hippocampal neurons from a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD)?The Physiological Society05-JUN-1731-JUL-17€2,000.00
Transgenic models for life sciences researchUCC Strategic Research Fund03-AUG-15€33,064.00
Cannabinoid receptor-modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmissionMedical Research Council01-MAR-0001-MAR-03€270,000.00
Monitoring the effects of potential anti-cancer drugs on cells relevant to human healthGovernment of Ireland01-SEP-1401-SEP-15€6,000.00
Monoclonal xIL-6R antibodies as a treatment for memory dysfunction in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne Muscular DystrophyHealth Research Board01-SEP-1701-SEP-20€157,000.00
HEACOVID1901-APR-2131-JUL-23€15,996.00
How does cerebrospinal fluid from Alzheimer’s disease patients affect human cortical forebrain cerebroid form and function?College of Medicine & Health14-OCT-1914-OCT-20€10,000.00
Eli Lilly PhD Scholarship (Michael Vaughan)Industry01-OCT-1830-SEP-22€112,000.00
Electrophysiological studies on the F344-AD ratUCC Strategic Research Fund09-AUG-14€4,700.00
UCC"Strategic Research Fund 2014"Miscellaneous01-SEP-1431-AUG-15€4,700.00
A novel rat model of Alzheimer's disease, the F344-AD ratUCC Strategic Research Fund01-JUL-13€5,300.00
Does Bexarotene reverse calcuim dysregulation in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease.Foreign Research Institute26-FEB-1325-FEB-14€11,325.00
HRB - Is Down Syndrome a form of "calciumopathy"?Health Research Board08-JUN-0931-JUL-09€2,000.00

Publications

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2023)'An investigation of preclinical medical studentsâ¿¿ preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning'
Mark G. Rae;Mohammed H. Abdulla; (2023) 'An investigation of preclinical medical studentsâ¿¿ preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning'. Advances in Physiology Education, [DOI] [Details]
(2023)'An investigation of pre-clinical medical students’ preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning'
Mohammed H. Abdulla, Mark G. Rae (2023) 'An investigation of pre-clinical medical students’ preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning'. Advances in Physiology Education, - (-):---   [DOI] [Details]
(1998)'Pharmacological properties of P2X3-receptors present in neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'
Rae MG;Rowan EG;Kennedy C; (1998) 'Pharmacological properties of P2X3-receptors present in neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'. [Details]
(2023)'A Systematic Review of the Association between the Age of Onset of Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (Kennedyâ¿¿s Disease) and the Length of CAG Repeats in the Androgen Receptor Gene'
Dante J. Bellai;Mark G. Rae; (2023) 'A Systematic Review of the Association between the Age of Onset of Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (Kennedyâ¿¿s Disease) and the Length of CAG Repeats in the Androgen Receptor Gene'. European journal of neurology : the official journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies, [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Interleukin-6: A neuro-active cytokine contributing to cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?'
Kimberley A. Stephenson;Mark G. Rae;Dervla O'Malley; (2020) 'Interleukin-6: A neuro-active cytokine contributing to cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?'. Cytokine, [DOI] [Details]
(2019)'No evidence in support of a prodromal respiratory control signature in the TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease'
Lucking EF;Murphy KH;Burns DP;Jaisimha AV;Barry-Murphy KJ;Dhaliwal P;Boland B;Rae MG;O'Halloran KD; (2019) 'No evidence in support of a prodromal respiratory control signature in the TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease'. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, [DOI] [Details]
(2019)'Active peer-mentored learning can improve student understanding of physiological concepts in an undergraduate journal club'
Drumm, Bernard T.; Rae, Mark G.; Ward, Sean M. (2019) 'Active peer-mentored learning can improve student understanding of physiological concepts in an undergraduate journal club'. Advances in Physiology Education, 43 (3):359-364   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2019)'How much do preclinical medical students utilize the internet to study physiology?'
O’Malley, Dervla; Barry, Denis S.; Rae, Mark G. (2019) 'How much do preclinical medical students utilize the internet to study physiology?'. Advances in Physiology Education, 43 (3):383-391   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2018)'The Effect of Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Inhibition on Renal Microcirculation of Spontaneously Hypertensive-Stroke Prone and Wistar Rats'
Ahmeda, AF;Rae, MG;Anweigi, LM;Al Otaibi, MF;Al-Masri, AA;Johns, EJ (2018) 'The Effect of Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Inhibition on Renal Microcirculation of Spontaneously Hypertensive-Stroke Prone and Wistar Rats'. Physiological Research, 67 :535-541 [Details]
(2017)'Using an online student response system, Socrative, to facilitate active learning of Physiology by first year graduate entry to medicine students: a feasibility study'
Rae, M.G and O'Malley, D. (2017) 'Using an online student response system, Socrative, to facilitate active learning of Physiology by first year graduate entry to medicine students: a feasibility study'. MedEdPublish, 6 (1)   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2017)'An Efficient and Cost-Effective Method of Generating Post-Natal (P2-14) Mouse Primary Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures'
Kaar, Aidan; Morley, Shane J.; Rae, Mark G. (2017) 'An Efficient and Cost-Effective Method of Generating Post-Natal (P2-14) Mouse Primary Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures'. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 286 :69-77 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2017)'Student attitudes towards semi-flipped classroom teaching in a pre-clinical graduate entry to medicine Physiology module'
Rae, M.G and O'Malley, D. (2017) 'Student attitudes towards semi-flipped classroom teaching in a pre-clinical graduate entry to medicine Physiology module'. MedEdPublish, [Full Text] [Details]
(2017)'The impact of vodcast utilisation upon student learning in the Physiology component of a first year graduate to entry medicine module'
Rae, M.G. & McCarthy, M. (2017) 'The impact of vodcast utilisation upon student learning in the Physiology component of a first year graduate to entry medicine module'. Journal of The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 17 (2):1-23 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2016)'Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague-Dawley rats'
Buckley, MM;O'Brien, R;Devlin, M;Creed, AA;Rae, MG;Hyland, NP;Quigley, EMM;McKernan, DP;O'Malley, D (2016) 'Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague-Dawley rats'. Experimental Physiology, 101 :1477-1491 [DOI] [Details]
(2016)'Do prerecorded lecture VODcasts affect lecture attendance of first-year pre-clinical Graduate Entry to Medicine students?'
Rae, M.G. & O'Malley, D. (2016) 'Do prerecorded lecture VODcasts affect lecture attendance of first-year pre-clinical Graduate Entry to Medicine students?'. Medical Teacher,   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2016)'Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague–Dawley rats'
Buckley, Maria M.; O'Brien, Rebecca; Devlin, Michelle; Creed, Aisling A.; Rae, Mark G.; Hyland, Niall P.; Quigley, Eamonn M. M.; McKernan, Declan P.; O'Malley, Dervla (2016) 'Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague–Dawley rats'. Experimental Physiology, 101 (12):1477-1491 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2016)'Cognitive dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a possible role for neuromodulatory immune molecules'
Rae MG;O'Malley D; (2016) 'Cognitive dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a possible role for neuromodulatory immune molecules'. Journal of neurophysiology, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2016)'Effect of tempol and tempol plus catalase on intra-renal haemodynamics in Spontaneously Hypertensive Stroke-Prone (SHSP) and Wistar rats'
Ahmeda, A.F. Rae, M.G., Al Otaibi, M.F., Anweigi, L.M. & Johns, E.J. (2016) 'Effect of tempol and tempol plus catalase on intra-renal haemodynamics in Spontaneously Hypertensive Stroke-Prone (SHSP) and Wistar rats'. Journal Of Physiology And Biochemistry,   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2015)'Metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated cyclic ADP ribose signalling'
Kaar, A,Rae, MG (2015) 'Metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated cyclic ADP ribose signalling'. Biochemical Society Transactions, 43 :405-409 [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Modulation of enteric neurons by interleukin-6 and corticotropin-releasing factor contributes to visceral hypersensitivity and altered colonic motility in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome'
Buckley, MM,O'Halloran, KD,Rae, MG,Dinan, TG,O'Malley, D (2014) 'Modulation of enteric neurons by interleukin-6 and corticotropin-releasing factor contributes to visceral hypersensitivity and altered colonic motility in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome'. Journal of Physiology-London, 592 :5235-5250 [DOI] [Details]
(2013)'Effect of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in the neural control of intrarenal haemodynamics in anaesthetized normotensive rats'
Ahmeda, AF,Rae, MG,Johns, EJ (2013) 'Effect of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in the neural control of intrarenal haemodynamics in anaesthetized normotensive rats'. Acta Physiologica, 209 :156-166 [DOI] [Details]
(2012)'Putative TRP channel antagonists, SKF 96365, flufenamic acid and 2-APB, are non-competitive antagonists at recombinant human alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2 GABA(A) receptors'
Rae, MG,Hilton, J,Sharkey, J (2012) 'Putative TRP channel antagonists, SKF 96365, flufenamic acid and 2-APB, are non-competitive antagonists at recombinant human alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2 GABA(A) receptors'. Neurochemistry International, 60 :543-554 [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'A question of balance - Positive versus negative allosteric modulation of GABA(A) receptor subtypes as a driver of analgesic efficacy in rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain'
Munro, G;Erichsen, HK;Rae, MG;Mirza, NR (2011) 'A question of balance - Positive versus negative allosteric modulation of GABA(A) receptor subtypes as a driver of analgesic efficacy in rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain'. Neuropharmacology, 61 :121-132 [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'Effect of clazosentan, a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist, and tezosentan, a dual endothelin A/B antagonist, on pulsatile shear stress induced constriction of the iliac in the anaesthetized pig'
Ruane-O'Hora, T;Rae, MG;Markos, F (2011) 'Effect of clazosentan, a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist, and tezosentan, a dual endothelin A/B antagonist, on pulsatile shear stress induced constriction of the iliac in the anaesthetized pig'. Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology, 38 :515-520 [DOI] [Details]
(2004)'Both mGluR1 and mGluR5 mediate Ca2+ release and inward currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons'
Rae MG, Irving AJ; (2004) 'Both mGluR1 and mGluR5 mediate Ca2+ release and inward currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons'. Neuropharmacology, 46 (8):1057-1069 [DOI] [Details]
(2002)'Cannabinoids on the brain'
Irving, A.J.;Rae, M.G.;Coutts, A.A.; (2002) 'Cannabinoids on the brain'. TheScientificWorldJournal [electronic resource], [Details]
(2002)'Leptin inhibits rat hippocampal neurons via activation of large conductance. Nat Neurosci'
Shanley L.J., Irving, A.J., Rae, M.G., - Ashford, M.L.J.,Harvey, J. (2002) 'Leptin inhibits rat hippocampal neurons via activation of large conductance. Nat Neurosci'. Nature Neuroscience, 5 (4):299-300 [Details]
(2000)'Functional expression of cell surface cannabinoid CB1 receptors on presynaptic inhibitory terminals in cultured rat hippocampal neurons'
Irving, A.J.;Coutts, A.A.;Harvey, J.;Rae, M.G.;Mackie, K.;Bewick, G.S.;Pertwee, R.G.; (2000) 'Functional expression of cell surface cannabinoid CB1 receptors on presynaptic inhibitory terminals in cultured rat hippocampal neurons'. Neuroscience, [DOI] [Details]
(2000)'Role of Ca2+ stores in metabotropic L-glutamate receptor-mediated supralinear. J Neurosci'
Rae M.G., Martin, D. J., Collingridge, G. L., Irving, A. J. (2000) 'Role of Ca2+ stores in metabotropic L-glutamate receptor-mediated supralinear. J Neurosci'. Journal of Neuroscience, 20 (23):8628-36 [Details]
(1999)'Pre- and post-junctional modulation of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission in the canine colonic circular muscle layer'
Jablon, J.;Rae, M.;Khoyi, M.;Westfall, D.P.;Keef, K.D.; (1999) 'Pre- and post-junctional modulation of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission in the canine colonic circular muscle layer'. Journal of Investigative Medicine, [Details]
(1998)'Modulation of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission by nitric oxide in canine colonic circular smooth muscle'
Rae, M.G.;Khoyi, M.A.;Keef, K.D.; (1998) 'Modulation of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission by nitric oxide in canine colonic circular smooth muscle'. American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, [Details]
(1998)'Basal activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in murine colonic smooth muscle cell'
Koh, S.D.;Bradley, K.K.;Rae, M.G.;Keef, K.D.;Horowitz, B.;Sanders, K.M.; (1998) 'Basal activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in murine colonic smooth muscle cell'. Biophysical Journal, [DOI] [Details]
(1998)'Control of motility patterns in the human colonic circular muscle layer by pacemaker activity'
Rae, M.G.;Fleming, N.;McGregor, D.B.;Sanders, K.M.;Keef, K.D.; (1998) 'Control of motility patterns in the human colonic circular muscle layer by pacemaker activity'. Journal of Physiology, [DOI] [Details]
(1998)'Pharmacological properties of P2X3-receptors present in neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'
Rae MG;Rowan EG;Kennedy C; (1998) 'Pharmacological properties of P2X3-receptors present in neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'. British Journal of Pharmacology, 124 (1) [DOI] [Details]
(1996)'Neuronal mediators of inhibitory junction potentials and relaxation in the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter'
Rae, M.G.;Muir, T.C.; (1996) 'Neuronal mediators of inhibitory junction potentials and relaxation in the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter'. Journal of Physiology, [DOI] [Details]
(1996)'Characterization of a P2X-purinoceptor in cultured neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'
Robertson SJ;Rae MG;Rowan EG;Kennedy C; (1996) 'Characterization of a P2X-purinoceptor in cultured neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia'. British Journal of Pharmacology, 118 (4) [DOI] [Details]
(1992)'Regulation of prostaglandin E2 binding to a murine macrophage cell line, P388D1, by insulin'
Rae, M.G.;Rotondo, D.;Dutta-Roy, A.K.; (1992) 'Regulation of prostaglandin E2 binding to a murine macrophage cell line, P388D1, by insulin'. BBA - Molecular Cell Research, [DOI] [Details]
(1992)'Interleukin-1 inhibits PGE2 binding to macrophage-like P388D1 cells by a cyclic AMP-independent process'
Rae, M.G.;Rotondo, D.;Milton, A.S.;Dutta-Roy, A.K.; (1992) 'Interleukin-1 inhibits PGE2 binding to macrophage-like P388D1 cells by a cyclic AMP-independent process'. BBA - Molecular Basis of Disease, [DOI] [Details]
(1991)'Stimulation of prostaglandin E2 binding to a murine macrophage cell line (P388D1) by insulin'
Dutta-Roy AK, Rae MG, Milton AS, Rotondo D; (1991) 'Stimulation of prostaglandin E2 binding to a murine macrophage cell line (P388D1) by insulin'. Biochemical Society Transactions, 19 (4) [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2019)RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY & NEUROBIOLOGY
Lucking, EF;Murphy, KH;Burns, DP;Jaisimha, AV;Barry-Murphy, KJ;Dhaliwal, P;Boland, B;Rae, MG;O'Halloran, KD (2019) No evidence in support of a prodromal respiratory control signature in the TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY & NEUROBIOLOGY , pp.55-67 [DOI] [Details]
(2019)The Physiological Society Meeting
Mohammed H. Abdulla and Mark G. Rae (2019) Do pre-clinical medical students prefer summative or formative evaluations in physiology? The Physiological Society Meeting Aberdeen, UK, [Details]
(2014)Biochemical Society
KAAR, A. & RAE, M.G. (2014) Investigating the role of the cyclic ADP ribose/RyR pathway in Group I mGluR-mediated signalling in cultured rat hippocampal neurones Biochemical Society [Details]
(2014)Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland
KAAR, A., O’DONOGHUE, K. & RAE, M.G (2014) Investigating the role of cyclic ADP ribose in group I metabotropic glutamate receptor - mediated calcium signalling in rat hippocampal neurones Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland [Details]
(2013)Neuroscience Ireland
KAAR, A., LEAHY, J., O’DONOGHUE, K. & RAE, M.G (2013) Evidence for the involvement of ryanodine receptors in Ca2+ release by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in cultured rat hippocampal neurons Neuroscience Ireland [Details]
(2013)Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland
LEAHY, J., KAAR, A. & RAE, M.G (2013) Evidence for the involvement of cyclic ADP ribose-dependent endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in cultured rat hippocampal neurons Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland [Details]
(2012)Alzheimers Dement
MORLEY, S.J., KAAR, A. & RAE, M.G. (2012) Evoked hippocampal supralinear intracellular calcium responses are absent in 3xTg Alzheimer's mice Alzheimers Dement [Details]
(2010)Neuroscience Ireland 2010
Rae, MG; Thompson, J; Sharkey, J; (2010) The putative TRP channel antagonists, SKF96365, flufenamic acid and 2-APB are non-competitive antagonists at recombinant alpha1, beta2, gamma2 GABAA receptors Neuroscience Ireland 2010 [Details]
(2011)Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland
MORLEY, S.J., KEOGH, M.K.& RAE, M.G (2011) Evidence of altered intracellular calcium handling in week old cultured hippocampal neurones of a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg AD) Royal Academy of Medicine, Ireland [Details]
(2003)J. Physiol
RAE, M.G. & IRVING, A.J.; (2003) Pharmacology of the group I metabotropic receptor-mediated responses in rat CA1 hippocampal neurones J. Physiol [Details]
(2003)J. Physiol
WHITE, A.M., RAE, M.G., IRVING, A.J. & PLATT, B.; (2003) Group I mGluR-induced calcium signalling in the rat superficial superior colliculus J. Physiol [Details]
(2003)Soc. Neuroscience Abs
RAE, M.G & IRVING, A.J. ; (2003) Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and dynamic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) loading in CA1 pyramidal neurons Soc. Neuroscience Abs [Details]
(2001)Soc. Neuroscience Abs
RAE, M.G. & IRVING, A.J.; (2001) Relationship between group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-activated inward currents and supralinear calcium signalling in hippocampal neurons Soc. Neuroscience Abs [Details]
(2001)Int. Cannabinoid Res. Soc
IRVING, A.J., CALDWELL, D., RAE, M.G., BEWICK, G & COUTTS A.A.; (2001) Functional expression of cell surface CB1 receptors at synaptic terminals in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells Int. Cannabinoid Res. Soc [Details]
(2000)J. Physiol
RAE, M.G. & IRVING, A.J.; (2000) A novel coincidence detection mechanism involving mGlu receptors in the rat hippocampus J. Physiol [Details]
(1999)J. Physiol
RAE, M.G. & IRVING, A.J.; (1999) Effects of cyclopiazonic acid on intracellular Ca2+ levels in cultured hippocampal neurones J. Physiol [Details]
(1997)Gastroenterology
RAE, M.G., KHOYI, M. & KEEF, K.D; (1997) Interaction between cholinergic and nitrergic transmission in the canine colonic circular muscle layer Gastroenterology [Details]
(1996)Drug Development Research
RAE, M.G., ROWAN, E.G. & KENNEDY, C.; (1996) Further characterisation of P2X-purinoceptors in cultured neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia Drug Development Research [Details]
(1996)Br. J. Pharmacol
RAE, M.G., ROWAN, E.G. & KENNEDY, C. ; (1996) Characterisation of P2X-purinoceptors in neurones of the neonatal rat dorsal root ganglia Br. J. Pharmacol [Details]
(1995)Br. J. Pharmacol
RAE, M.G. & MUIR, T.C. ; (1995) Suramin reveals two distinct neuronally-mediated IJP components in the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter (gpIAS) Br. J. Pharmacol [Details]
(1995)Neurogastroenterology and Motility
RAE, M.G., QUINN, P. & MUIR, T.C. ; (1995) Alterations in both cAMP and cGMP levels of the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter (gpIAS) in response to neuronal stimulation and drugs Neurogastroenterology and Motility [Details]
(1994)Br. J. Pharmacol
RAE, M.G. & MUIR, T.C.; (1994) Both ATP and Nitric Oxide (NO) may be involved in the neuronally-mediated relaxation of the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter (gpIAS) Br. J. Pharmacol [Details]
(1993)J. Gastrointestinal Motility
RAE, M.G. & MUIR, T.C.; (1993) Neuronally-mediated inhibition in the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter (gpIAS) ¿ indirect nitric oxide involvement J. Gastrointestinal Motility [Details]
(1992)Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences XXXII
SMITH, A.D., RAE, M.G. & MUIR, T.C.; (1992) Excitation and inhibition by nitric oxide (NO) in smooth muscle Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences XXXII [Details]
(1992)Br. J. Pharmacol
RAE, M.G. & MUIR, T.C. ; (1992) Nitrovasodilators potentiate and inhibit spontaneous electrical and mechanical activity in the guinea-pig internal anal sphincter (gpIAS) Br. J. Pharmacol [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2023)Altered neuronal group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor-, and endoplasmic reticulum-mediated Ca2+ signalling in young rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD mice and APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 (TgF344-AD) rats).
Kaar, A., Weir, M.P. & Rae, M.G. (2023) Altered neuronal group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor-, and endoplasmic reticulum-mediated Ca2+ signalling in young rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD mice and APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 (TgF344-AD) rats). SSRN, Rochester, Ney York, USA.   [Details]

Abstract

 YearPublication
(2022)Interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that may contribute to hippocampal dysfunction in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice.
Stephenson, KA;Vaughan, MB;Denley, CM;Rae, MG;O'Malley, D (2022) Interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that may contribute to hippocampal dysfunction in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. HOBOKEN: Abstract [Details]
(2022)An investigation of pre-clinical medical students' preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning.
Rae, MG;Abdulla, MH (2022) An investigation of pre-clinical medical students' preference for summative or formative assessment for physiology learning. HOBOKEN: Abstract [Details]
(2022)Altered calcium homeostasis in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human neural progenitor cells containing familial presenilin1-linked Alzheimer's disease mutation, M139V.
Vaughan, MB;Foley, C;O'Malley, D;Rae, MG (2022) Altered calcium homeostasis in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human neural progenitor cells containing familial presenilin1-linked Alzheimer's disease mutation, M139V. HOBOKEN: Abstract [Details]
(2017)Respiratory Control in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease (TgF344-AD).
Murphy, KH;Burns, DP;Barry-Murphy, K;Rae, MG;O'Halloran, KD;Lucking, EF (2017) Respiratory Control in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease (TgF344-AD). BETHESDA: Abstract [Details]
(2017)Early calcium signalling remodelling in Alzheimer's disease - evidence from murine cultured hippocampal neurons.
Kaar, A;Rae, MG (2017) Early calcium signalling remodelling in Alzheimer's disease - evidence from murine cultured hippocampal neurons. HOBOKEN: Abstract [Details]
(2016)Evidence for the Involvement of Cyclic ADP Ribose-Dependent Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release by Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons.
Leahy, J;Kaar, A;Rae, MG (2016) Evidence for the Involvement of Cyclic ADP Ribose-Dependent Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release by Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons. LONDON: Abstract [Details]
(2016)Investigating the Role of Cyclic ADP Ribose in Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Calcium Signalling in Rat Hippocampal Neurones.
Kaar, A;O'Donoghue, K;Rae, MG (2016) Investigating the Role of Cyclic ADP Ribose in Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Calcium Signalling in Rat Hippocampal Neurones. LONDON: Abstract [Details]
(2016)Investigating the Involvement of the Cyclic ADP Ribose Signalling Pathway in Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Signalling, in Cultured Murine Hippocampal Neurones.
Kaar, A;Rae, MG (2016) Investigating the Involvement of the Cyclic ADP Ribose Signalling Pathway in Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Signalling, in Cultured Murine Hippocampal Neurones. LONDON: Abstract [Details]
(2016)Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and signalling in cultured hippocampal neurones from young rodent models of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD mouse & TgF344-AD rat).
Kaar, A;Rae, MG (2016) Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and signalling in cultured hippocampal neurones from young rodent models of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD mouse & TgF344-AD rat). HOBOKEN: Abstract [Details]
(2011)EVIDENCE OF ALTERED INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM HANDLING IN WEEK OLD CULTURED HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONES OF A MURINE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (3XTg AD).
Morley, SJ;Keogh, MK;Rae, MG (2011) EVIDENCE OF ALTERED INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM HANDLING IN WEEK OLD CULTURED HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONES OF A MURINE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (3XTg AD). LONDON: Abstract [Details]
(2011)THE PUTATIVE TRP CHANNEL ANTAGONISTS, SKF96365, FLUFENAMIC ACID AND 2-APB ARE NON-COMPETITIVE ANTAGONISTS AT RECOMBINANT alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(2) GABA(A) RECEPTORS.
Rae, MG;Thompson, J;Sharkey, J (2011) THE PUTATIVE TRP CHANNEL ANTAGONISTS, SKF96365, FLUFENAMIC ACID AND 2-APB ARE NON-COMPETITIVE ANTAGONISTS AT RECOMBINANT alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(2) GABA(A) RECEPTORS. LONDON: Abstract [Details]

Reviews

 YearPublication
(2020)Interleukin-6: A neuro-active cytokine contributing to cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?.
Stephenson K.A.;Rae M.G.;O'Malley D. (2020) Interleukin-6: A neuro-active cytokine contributing to cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?. Reviews [DOI] [Details]

Other

 YearPublication
(2023)A Systematic Review of the Association between the Age of Onset of Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (Kennedy’s Disease) and the Length of CAG Repeats in the Androgen Receptor Gene.
Bellai, D.J. & Rae, M.G. (2023) A Systematic Review of the Association between the Age of Onset of Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (Kennedy’s Disease) and the Length of CAG Repeats in the Androgen Receptor Gene. Other [DOI] [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2020Nomination for 'President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching’ UCC
2018Supervisee (Michael Vaughan) winner of The Physiological Society Rob Clarke Undergraduate Award The Physiological Society
2018Nomination for 'President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching’ UCC
2018Supervisee (Kimberley Stephenson) winner of Young Investigator best poster prize at Europhysiology 2018 The Physiological Society
2012Supervisee (Shane Morley) awarded Physiological Society Student Travel Bursary Physiological Society
2014Supervisee (Aidan Kaar) awarded UCC, College of Medicine and Health Doctoral Student Travel Bursary UCC
2014Supervisee (Aidan Kaar) awarded Biochemical Society Student Travel Bursary The Biochemical Society
2015Supervisee (Aidan Kaar) awarded Federation of European Neurosciences (FENS) - Society for Neuroscience (SfN) bursary. Federation of European Neurosciences and Society for Neuroscience
2016Biochemical Society Travel Award The Biochemical Society
2016Physiological Society Travel Award The Physiological Society
2016Outstanding lecturer in Years 1 & 2 of the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme UCC School of Medicine

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Cork Neuroscience (CNC) member06-OCT-07 /
Dementia Research Network Ireland An interdisciplinary dementia and neurodegeneration research initiative01-MAR-19 /
The European Calcium Society member01-JUL-16 /
Royal Academy of Medicine Ireland member01-OCT-15 /
Neuroscience Ireland member01-JUL-08 /
Biochemical Society member01-JUL-14 /
The Physiological Society member and UCC Physiological Society Representative07-OCT-95 /
Alzheimer's Association member02-JAN-12 /

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
College of Medicine and Health Curriculum Committee Member2023 /
School of Medicine Research and Postgraduate Affairs Committee Member2022 /
16th International meeting of the European Calcium Society Review Committee Member2022 / 2022
16th International meeting of the European Calcium Society Organising Committee Member2020 / 2022
Online Invigilation Exam Solution Committee Member2020 / 2021
The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland: Membership Task and Finish Group Member2018 / 2019
Department of Physiology Graduate Studies Committee member2007 /
Department of Physiology Research Committee Member2007 /
UCC Graduate Entry Medicine Steering Group. Member2007 / 2008
Graduate Entry Medicine Teaching and Oversight Committee Module coordinator - GM10012008 /
School of Medicine Student Affairs Committee Member2009 / 2013
Graduate Entry Medicine Curriculum Review Committee. GM1001 module coordinator2010 /

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Current Research In Neuroscience Member of Editorial Board01-JAN-19 -
Alzheimers & Dementia Referee11-JAN-17 -
International Journal Of Neurology Research Editor01-AUG-14 -
International Journal Of Neurology Research Member of Editorial Board02-NOV-14 -
Pharmacologia Editor01-NOV-13 -
Brain Research Bulletin Referee01-AUG-12 -
Frontiers In Education Referee-
Frontiers In Neuroscience Editor-
Medical Teacher Referee-
Alzheimers & Dementia Referee-
Journal Of The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Referee-
British Journal Of Pharmacology Referee-
Journal Of Physiology Referee-
Journal Of Toxicology Referee-
Journal Of Endocrinology Referee-

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork College Lecturer in Physiology17-JUL-08 /
University College Cork Lecturer and undergarduate laboratory coordinator01-JUL-07 / 01-OCT-08
Astellas CNS in Edinburgh Senior Electrophysiologist01-JAN-06 / 01-FEB-07
Ionix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Research Electrophysiologist01-NOV-04 / 01-SEP-05

Outreach Activities

 Description

Facilitator for lab visits for Transition Year students, 2017-2019, 2022

Organiser of lab visits for primary school students, 2017, 2018, 2022

Organoser of Science Week lab ‘open day’ for members of public, 2017

Organiser of, and participant in, ‘Physiology Friday’, a fun day designed to promote awareness of the discipline of Physiology across the larger university community through physiological challenges, quizzes, a Physiology-themed bake sale (Biobakes) and talent shows (November 2015 - 2017).

Co-organiser of Physiology Department’s 2016 contribution to Cork Science Festival - Can you beat Usain Bolt out of the blocks?’

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
1991Aberdeen University BSc (Hons)Pharmacology
1995Glasgow University PhDPhysiology/Pharmacology
2013University College Cork Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher EducationTeaching and Learning in Higher Education
2015University College Cork Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher EducationTeaching and Learning in Higher Education
2016University College Cork Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher EducationTeaching and Learning in Higher Education

Other Activities

 Description

Grant reviewer for The Research Foundation - Flanders (2019-present)

Award reviewer for The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland Rob Clarke Awards (2020 - present)

Award reviewer for The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland Travel bursaries (2018 - present)

Abstract reviewer for The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland (2018 - present)

Scientific workshop reviewer for The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland (2018 - present)

Award reviewer for The Physiological Society, UK & Ireland summer studentship bursaries (2018 - present)

Grant reviewer for Alzheimer's Association, U.S.A. (2017 - present)

Abstract reviewer for The European Calcium Society (2022)

Invited internal examiner (2021): PhD thesis - Jayanth Anantha, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, UCC

Member of COST action group ‘Personalized Nutrition in aging society: redox control of major age-related diseases’ (2017-2021).

Invited internal examiner (2017): MSc thesis - Alison Barry, Department of Physiology, UCC.

Chair of Neuroscience session at Europhysiology 2018 (London)

Appointed as a Teaching Fellow for the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) here at UCC in 2017.

Invited external examiner (2016): PhD thesis - Stephen Fedigan, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Organiser of the “Calcium signalling in Alzheimer’s disease” symposium held at the 16th International Meeting of the European Calcium Society, Cork

Session chair for the “Calcium signalling in Alzheimer’s disease” symposium held at the 16th International Meeting of the European Calcium Society, Cork

Invited internal examiner (2014): MSc thesis - Nurullah Morshed, Department of Physiology, UCC.

Invited internal examiner (2014): MSc thesis - Nura Benghezzi, Department of Physiology, UCC.

Departmental representative for The Physiological Society https://www.physoc.org/

Member of Asian Council of Science Editors (http://theacse.com/)

Developed and manage Physiology department’s online question database server with which one can produce and run on-line Physiology examinations in all required formats, e.g. True/False, MCQ, SBA, EMQ.

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

Module coordinator for:
GM1001, PL4011
Physiology departmental coordinator for:
GM1001, GM1002, GM1003 & GM2001
Teach on:
GM1001, GM1002, GM1003, GM2001, PL3025, PL4011, PL4020, MH4010
Project supervisor for:
PL4020, MH4010, MX2006, GM2030, MX5091
 
Undergraduate TeachingI have teaching experience across a variety of years and undergraduate modules including 2nd, 3rd and 4th year science and 1st and 2nd and final year direct entry and graduate entry medicine (GEM). I currently deliver undergraduate modules on the 1st and 2nd year GEM course, and 3rd and 4th year B.Sc. Physiology (7 modules in total) using a variety of teaching formats such as formal lectures, tutorials, small group learning (SGL), student projects and laboratory practicals.
I currently teach approximately 200 student p/a, with over 200 student contact hours p/a.
Details of my current teaching on individual modules are listed below. 

Graduate & Direct Entry to Medicine Teaching - 
GM 1001 (Module Coordinator), Physiology coordinator for GM 1002,GM 1003 & GM 2001:The bulk of my teaching is devoted to the Graduate Entry to Medicine (GEM) course where I teach 50% of the Physiology contribution on all three of the 1st year basic science modules, as well as making a significant contribution to the 2nd year GM2001 module. I am module coordinator for the 20 credit GM1001 module with responsibility for coordinating input from the various contributory departments, timetabling, exam preparation and marking. I am also Physiology coordinator for the 1st year GEM courseI also act as a facilitator for the small group learning (SGL) tutorial sessions.

3rd Year B.Sc. Physiology Teaching: PL3025 Literature Review, Experimental Design and Data AnalysisIn this 5 credit module students either write a report on an original peer-reviewed research article, a literature review of a particular Physiological topic or a report on a proposed experimental protocol designed to investigate a particular Physiological question. This is an important introduction to the scientific literature and paves the way for research projects in year 4.

4th Year B.Sc. Physiology & MH4010 Teaching: PL4011 (Learning & Memory) In this 5 credit module I lecture on my own research field of learning and memory, which is directly informed by my work into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down Syndrome (DS).
 
PL4020 & MH4010 (Laboratory Research and/or Literature Review Project) The PL4020 & MH4010 modules (20 credits) are 12-16 week research-led, major component of the final year Physiology and Medicine & Health Honours degrees. I currently provide lab-based projects relevant to, and informed by, my own lab-based research interests.

I also supervise students on the research medical electives, MX2006, MX5091 & GM2030.

Postgraduate teaching/supervision:
Since my appointment as Teaching Fellow in 2018 in the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), I have supervised approximately 8 postgraduate students annually on the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGCTHLE). To date, I have graduated >40 PGCTHLE graduates.

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2023Kimberley Stephenson University College CorkPh.D. (NUI)Cognitive dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
2019Aidan Kaar University College CorkPh.D.Investigating neuronal calcium homeostasis in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease 
2017Shane Morley University College CorkPh.D.Acetylated microtubules are essential for touch sensation in mice
2015William Murphy University College CorkMASTER OF SCIENCEBio-Impedimetric and Electrophysiological Analysis to Screen Potential Anti-Cancer Compounds in Colon Cancer Treatment
2014Shane Morley University College CorkMASTER OF SCIENCEStudy of Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Hippocampal Neurons from a Murine Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Current Postgraduate Students

 StudentDegree Type
Vaughan Michael Bernard Doctoral Degree

Research Information

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Barry Boland Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University College CorkIRELAND
Rob Gaffney University College CorkIRELAND
Mohammed Abdulla University College CorkIRELAND
Andrew Lindsay Department of BiochemistryIRELAND
Suzanne Timmons Department of Gerentology, University College CorkIRELAND
John Mackrill Department of Physiology, University College CorkIRELAND
Ken O'Halloran Department of Physiology, University College CorkIRELAND
Dervla O'Malley Department of Physiology, University College CorkIRELAND
Harriet Schellekens Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College CorkIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Geert Bultynck KU LeuvenBELGIUM
Ruslan Dmitriev Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Group, University of GhentBELGIUM
Sean Kennelly Tallaght Hospital, DublinIRELAND
Eric Moore Tyndall National Institute, CorkIRELAND

Contact details

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Physiology Department

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Western Gateway Building Western Road University College Cork

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