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John Wemmie, MD, PhD

Professor of Psychiatry

Introduction

We recently found that the Acid Sensing Ion Channel, ASIC contributes to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. ASIC is one of three mammalian members of the DEG/ENaC cation channel family in mammals that are transiently activated by low extracellular pH. ASIC channels are voltage-insensitive and share a large extracellular domain thought to serve as a receptor for extracellular stimuli. Disrupting ASIC in mice eliminated acid-evoked cation currents in central neurons and led to impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory. Our current research focuses on identifying the mechanism for ASIC activation in vivo, understanding the role of ASIC in synaptic plasticity, and establishing an uninterrupted link between ASIC channel activity and its behavioral impact.

Current Positions

  • Professor of Psychiatry
  • Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
  • Professor of Neurosurgery
  • Vice Chair for Research
  • Roy J. Carver Endowed Chair

Education

  • BA in Chemistry, Central College, Pella, IA
  • MD, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
  • PhD in Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
  • Resident in Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, Iowa City, IA

Graduate Program Affiliations

Center, Program and Institute Affiliations

Research Interests

  • Integration of molecular models brain function and cognitive neuroscience
  • Novel methods of monitoring brain pH
  • Effects of brain pH on human fear conditioning and anxiety disorders
  • Role of protons as neurotransmitters
  • Role of acid sensing ion channels in neuron physiology, brain function, and behavior
  • Long-lasting effects of fetal programming on mouse models of anxiety and depression

Licenses & Certifications

  • ABPN Certification: Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • Medical License, Iowa Board of Medicine, Iowa

Selected Publications

  • Abbott, P.W., Hardie, J.B., Walsh, K.P., Nessler, A.J., Farley, S.J., Freeman, J.H., Wemmie, J.A., Wendt, L., Kim, Y.-C., Sowers, L.P. et al. (2024) Knockdown of the Non-canonical Wnt Gene Prickle2 Leads to Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Abnormalities While Cerebellar-Mediated Behaviors Remain Intact. Cerebellum. DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01648-9
  • Lima, C.N.C., Kovács, E.H.C., Mirza, S., Del Favero-Campbell, A., Diaz, A.P., Quevedo, J., Argue, B.M.R., Richards, J.G., Williams, A., Wemmie, J.A. et al. (2023) Association between the epigenetic lifespan predictor GrimAge and history of suicide attempt in bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 48. DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01557-9
  • Abbott, P.W., Hardie, J., Walsh, K.P., Nessler, A., Freeman, J.H., Wemmie, J., Sowers, L., Parker, K.L. (2023) Disruption of the non-canonical wnt gene PRICKLE2 leads to cerebellar Purkinje cell abnormalities while cerebellar-mediated behaviors remain intact. Research Square. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3112261
  • Gupta, S.C., Taugher-Hebl, R.J., Hardie, J.B., Fan, R., LaLumiere, R.T., Wemmie, J.A. (2023) Effects of acid-sensing ion channel-1A (ASIC1A) on cocaine-induced synaptic adaptations. Frontiers in Psychology 14. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191275
  • Ewald, V.όA.M., Purnell, J.R., Bruss, J.E., Barsotti, E.J., Aldine, A.S., Mahachi, K.G., Wemmie, J.A., Magnotta, V.A., Boes, A.D., Parker, K.L. & others. (2023) Posterior Fossa Sub-Arachnoid Cysts Observed in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: a Retrospective Cohort Study. Cerebellum 22 370-378. DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01408-1
  • Ewald, V.A.M., Trapp, N.T., Sarrett, M.C.E., Pace, B.D., Wendt, L., Richards, J.G., Gala, I.K., Miller, J.N., Wessel, J.R., Magnotta, V.A. & others. (2023) Supra-second interval timing in bipolar disorder: examining the role of disorder sub-type, mood, and medication status. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders 11. DOI: 10.1186/s40345-023-00312-9
  • Shaffer, J.J., Willour, V., Fiedorowicz, J.G., Christensen, G.E., Long, J.D., Johnson, C.P., Schmitz, S.L., Williams, A.J., Wemmie, J., Magnotta, V.A. (2022) Distinct patterns of altered quantitative T1ρ and functional BOLD response associated with history of suicide attempts in bipolar disorder. Brain Imaging and Behavior 16 820-833. DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00552-2
  • Madencioglu, D.A., Kruth, K.A., Wassink, T.H., Magnotta, V.A., Wemmie, J.A., Williams, A.J. (2022) Modeling Human Cerebellar Development In Vitro in 2D Structure. Journal of Visualized Experiments 187. DOI: 10.3791/64462
  • Müller Ewald, V.A., Trapp, N.T., Sarrett, M.E., Pace, B.D, Richards, J.G., Gala, I.K., Miller, J.N., Wessel, J.R., Magnotta, V.A., Wemmie, J.A. & others. (2022) Supra-second interval timing deficits and abnormal frontal theta oscillations in individuals with bipolar disorder. medRxiv. DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.25.22280348
  • Taugher, R.J., Wunsch, A.M., Wang, G.Z., Chan, A.C., Dlouhy, B.J., Wemmie, J.A. (2021) Post-acquisition CO2 Inhalation Enhances Fear Memory and Depends on ASIC1A. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 15. DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.767426