Overview
The goal of the Velmeshev lab is to understand normal human brain development and neurodevelopmental diseases at the single cell level.​ We are particularly interested in gaining a holistic view of how genetic programs instruct neural progenitors that give rise to the diverse cell types of the brain and guide formation of neuronal circuits, and how these processes are affected in brain disorders, such as autism.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
·
2022 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2024 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Scholarly Works
Progress toward complete cell-type and spatial-resolution atlases of the developing brain.
Journal article Curr Opin Genet Dev · August 2026 Mammalian brain development is a complex process involving birth, lineage commitment, differentiation, and maturation of hundreds of cell types across multiple brain regions. This process unravels across months of prenatal development and years of postnata ... Full text Link to item CiteMitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons protects against peripheral neuropathy.
Journal article Nature · February 2026 Primary sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have long axons and a high demand for mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in peripheral neuropathy after diabetes and chemotherapy1,2. However, the mechanisms by which primary ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteCircuit-specific gene editing for precision modulation of neuronal activity with CRISPR-rabies virus.
Journal article bioRxiv · November 7, 2025 CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized our ability to study and manipulate specific genes, enabling novel insights into gene function and potential therapies for brain disorders. Recent advances in cell-type-specific regulatory elements and viral delivery ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2026 - 2031Dissecting and modulating cell type and circuit-specific epigenetic mechanisms of cocaine addiction
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute on Drug Abuse · 2025 - 2030Discovering the cell type basis of the IT projection system and its dysregulation after perinatal HIE
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education
University of Miami ·
2016
Ph.D.