Research Interests:
Our laboratory is primarily focused on understanding the development and function of the mammalian nervous system, with a particular emphasis on understanding molecular mechanisms relevant to human diseases. Part of our lab studies the receptor-mediated effects of naturally occurring lipids known as lysophospholipids. Two major examples of lysophospholipids are lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Targeted deletion of cognate G protein-coupled receptors that transduce signaling by these lipids has revealed a rich and diverse biology, with particular relevance to the nervous system, and our current studies are extending molecular genetic analyses of receptor-null mutants, particularly in combination with synthetic chemical tools (e.g., agonists, antagonists). In addition to this project, a distinct set of studies in our lab is exploring the extent and consequences of changes in chromosome number - aneuploidy - in neural cells. Surprisingly, we have found that many normal brain cells, including those in humans, have extensive populations of aneuploid cells. Aneuploidy exists in both proliferating cells as well as postmitotic neurons. It produces genetic mosaicism that is likely unique in detail for each brain. Current studies are aimed at determining the biological functions of neural aneuploidy in the developing and mature brain, with potential roles in apoptosis, cell fate, physiological properties and diseases.
Track(s):
Molecular Pharmacology
MCB
BMS Focus Areas:
Neurobiology
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