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Profile Detail

Eric M. Mintz

Associate Professor and Director, School of Biomedical Sciences
Education
  • Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz, 1995
  • B.A., Wesleyan University, 1990
Courses Taught
  • Biological Statistics
  • Animal Physiology
  • Career Pathways in Biology
  • Biological Rythems
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
Current Research

Neural mechanisms of Circadian Rhythm Regulation

The primary stimulus for setting the circadian clock is the environmental light cycle (day/night). Photic information communicated from the eyes to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus through the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate. The inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter, GABA, acts to oppose the actions of glutamate. In addition to these, many other neurotransmitters and neuromodulators have effects on circadian rhythms. Our lab seeks to define the mechanisms by which a small group of cells located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus generate rhythms of physiology and behavior, and how these rhythms are modified by environmental and physiological stimuli. We use a wide variety of techniques, including microarrays, real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, intracranial microinjections, and analysis of behavioral rhythms.

Topics currently under investigation in the lab include:

  • Differences in gene expression in subregions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and how those differences relate to function.
  • The functional neuroanatomy of circadian variations in immune response.
  • Regulation of circadian rhythms by extracellular proteases.
  • Behavioral influences on clocks in peripheral tissues.
  • The role of the circadian clock in anticipation anxiety.

 

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Kallingal, G.J. and Mintz, E.M. (2010) An NMDA antagonist inhibits light but not GRP-induced phase shifts when administered after the phase-shifting stimulus.  Brain Research, 1353C: 106-112.

Gregg, J.L., Brown, K.E., Mintz, E.M., Piontkivska, H., and Fraizer, G.C. (2010) Analysis of gene expression in prostate cancer epithelial and interstitial stromal cells using laser capture microdissection.  BMC Cancer, 10:165.

Clements, R.J., Mintz, E.M., and Blank, J.L. (2010) High resolution stereoscopic volume visualization of the mouse arginine vasopressin system.  Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 187: 41-45.

Porterfield, V.M. and Mintz, E.M. (2009) Temporal patterns of light-induced immediate-early gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.  Neuroscience Letters, 463: 70-73.

Young, E.E., Baumbauer, K.M., Hillyer, J.E., Patterson, A.M., Hoy, K.C. Jr, Mintz, E.M., and Joynes, R.L. (2008) The neonatal injury induced spinal learning deficit in adult rats: central mechanisms.  Behavioral Neuroscience, 122: 589-600.

Vukanti, R., Mintz, E.M., and Leff, L.G. (2008) Changes in gene expression of E. coli under conditions of modeled reduced gravity.  Microgravity Science & Technology, 20: 41-57.

Porterfield, V.M., Piontkivska, H., and Mintz, E.M. (2007) Identification of novel light-induced genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.  BMC Neuroscience, 8:98.

Mintz, E.M., Lavenburg, K.R., and Blank, J.L. (2007) Short photoperiod and testosterone-induced modification of GnRH release from the hypothalamus of Peromyscus maniculatus.  Brain Research, 1180: 20-28.

Pannozzo, P.L., Phillips, K.A., Haas, M.E., and Mintz, E.M. (2007) Social monitoring reflects dominance relationships in a small captive group of brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).  Ethology 113: 881-888.

Kallingal, G.J. and Mintz, E.M. (2007) Gastrin releasing peptide and neuropeptide Y exert opposing actions on circadian phase.  Neuroscience Letters, 422: 59-63.

Kallingal, G.J., and Mintz, E.M. (2006) Glutamatergic activity modulates the phase shifting effects of gastrin-releasing peptide and light.  European Journal of Neuroscience, 24: 2853-2858.

Eric M. Mintz
OFFICE
Department of Biological Sciences
CONTACT INFO
Phone: 330-672-3847
Fax: 330-672-3713
emintz@kent.edu
COURSES TEACHING
Spring 2013
  • BSCI 40196 - 026 Individual Investigation
  • BMS 60120 - 002 Lab Tech Biomed Sci
  • BMS 60198 - 001 Research
  • BSCI 60299 - 008 Thesis Ii
  • BMS 61001 - 001 Intro To Biomedical Sciences
  • BMS 80299 - 001 Dissertation Ii
Summer 2013
  • BSCI 50196 - 010 Individual Investigation
  • BMS 60198 - 007 Research
  • BSCI 60199 - 016 Thesis I
  • BMS 60299 - 003 Thesis Ii
  • BSCI 80198 - 031 Research
  • BMS 80199 - 012 Dissertation I
  • BMS 80299 - 012 Dissertation Ii
Fall 2013
  • HONR 40096 - 006 Individual Honors Work
  • BMS 61001 - 001 Intro To Biomedical Sciences
  • BSCI 80299 - 011 Dissertation Ii
EXPERTISE
  • Faculty Advisor