Prefrontal cortical dysfunction is well-established in schizophrenia and is thought to contribute to working memory (WM) impairment, which occurs early in development before the onset …
In the mouse olfactory bulb glomerular layer, computations are largely mediated by a set of interneurons, known as the periglomerular cells (PGCs). I hypothesized that …
Voltage-gated calcium channels in neurons couple membrane depolarization to calcium-dependent processes, including activity-dependent gene expression and synaptic neurotransmitter release. In nociceptors, CaV2.2 channels are the …
Implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) systems may one day offer persons with locked-in syndrome a means of interacting and communicating with the outside world. These systems …
To engage with the world, we must regularly make predictions about the outcomes of scenarios. How do we make these predictions? Recent evidence points to …
It has been established that the feed-forward sweep along the ventral visual pathway is crucial for core object recognition. However, the visual system contains abundant …
The optokinetic reflex stabilizes slippage of a background image on the retina. It works in tandem with the vestibulo-ocular reflex to steady the visual field …
Our aging population is rapidly growing as is the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Alzheimer’s Disease. NDs can significantly impair one’s cognitive and motor …
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the cholinergic synapse between a presynaptic motor neuron and postsynaptic muscle fiber. The stability of this synapse is compromised in …
Ribbon synapses vary the release of vesicles in response to graded changes in presynaptic membrane potential. Characteristic features of ribbon synapses include the “ribbon”, a …
The primary objective of this thesis is to spatially and temporally dissect the role of WNT1 in cerebellum (Cb) development. During embryogenesis, the Cb is …
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by its behavioral deficits, including disrupted social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Although it affects a large …
The visual system takes information from a handful of photoreceptor types and, using a complex circuitry of neurons, transforms that information into a wide range …
Recessive loss-of-function mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) in humans cause reduced postnatal brain growth, and cognitive and motor disability. GPT2 …
Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are made in the brain, proceeds throughout development and adulthood. During development, neurogenesis is prioritized for morphogenesis. Once …
As we move throughout the world, our brains continuously acquire sensory information and make predictions when visual information is limited. For example, an animal hopping …
Everyday tasks often require to be completed following a specific set of steps or sequentially. Oftentimes, these sequential tasks are abstract, meaning that they are …