Overview
The long term goal of our laboratory is to understand at a cellular/molecular level how neuronal activity regulates the formation and maturation of synapses during brain development, and ultimately to use genetic model systems to understand how defects in this developmental process lead to cognitive dysfunction.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Neurobiology
·
2020 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2008 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2015 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Epigenetics and the timing of neuronal differentiation.
Journal Article Curr Opin Neurobiol · December 2024 Epigenetic regulation of the genome is required for cell-type differentiation during organismal development and is especially important to generate the panoply of specialized cell types that comprise the brain. Here, we review how progressive changes in th ... Full text Link to item CiteThe Perineuronal Net Protein Brevican Acts in Nucleus Accumbens Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons of Adult Mice to Regulate Excitatory Synaptic Inputs and Motivated Behaviors.
Journal Article Biol Psychiatry · November 1, 2024 BACKGROUND: Experience-dependent functional adaptation of nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry underlies the development and expression of reward-motivated behaviors. Parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) interneurons (PVINs) within ... Full text Link to item CiteNeuronal enhancers fine-tune adaptive circuit plasticity.
Journal Article Neuron · September 25, 2024 Neuronal activity-regulated gene expression plays a crucial role in sculpting neural circuits that underpin adaptive brain function. Transcriptional enhancers are now recognized as key components of gene regulation that orchestrate spatiotemporally precise ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Duke-NCCU Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Training Program in Child Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Conditions Program (DN-IPT)
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Chromatin dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
1998
M.D.
Harvard University ·
1998
Ph.D.
Cornell University ·
1989
B.A.