It soon appeared that the gene-targeting approach in mice, which was still in its infancy, was particularly suited to decipher the mysteries of this receptor family, because many conventional approaches proved problematic (and some, such as the development of selective anti-subunit antibodies, remain so). Knockout mice from all kainate receptor subunits produced in Steve’s laboratory finally revealed their peculiar and unexpected roles in the regulation of activity of hippocampal
circuits. The newly cloned glutamate receptors and these unique mouse models were undeniably valuable resources for many neurobiologists working on mammalian synaptic function and HDAC activity assay plasticity, and Steve Heinemann was exemplary SP600125 in his commitment to making these tools accessible to as many laboratories as possible. The myriad of acknowledgments in studies from scientific reports, originating from laboratories all over the world, make clear that his remarkable generosity greatly contributed to the swift progress in understanding neurotransmitter receptors and synaptic mechanisms over the last three decades. This undoubtedly includes many
new therapeutic avenues for pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies to search for cures in the treatment of “synaptopathies” such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as neuropsychiatric conditions. Steve’s most recent work highlights the broadness of his views and his continuous interest in the mysteries of the normal and diseased brain, from astrocytes and oscillations in recognition memory to nicotinic receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to leading his laboratory, Steve was an active member of the greater scientific community and received a number of awards and honors for his research accomplishments. Most out notably, he was elected president of the Society for Neuroscience from 2005 to 2006. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. He received the Bristol-Myers Squibb Distinguished Achievement in
Neuroscience Research Award and the McKnight Award for Research. In 2010, he was awarded the Julius Axelrod Prize for exceptional achievements in neuropharmacology and exemplary efforts in mentoring young scientists. In this regard, Steve leaves a wide-reaching scientific legacy that includes not only his seminal contributions to our understanding of the molecular identity and function of nicotinic cholinergic and glutamate receptors, but also shaping the course of neuroscience in the US and the world during a time of acute interest in all aspects of brain function. On a more personal level, the hundred-plus “Heinemaniacs” who comprised his laboratory over the many years of its existence were challenged by the free-wheeling nature and abundant possibilities that were intrinsic to life as a member of Steve’s team.