Research Areas
Cell Communication and Signaling in Health and Disease
Since the advent of microscopy and molecular biology techniques, we have gained a great deal of insight into the remarkable abilities of a cell. We have learned that certain cell types, such as those of the immune system, have an innate capacity to migrate throughout the body; and others (namely stem cells) are immortal and can differentiate to repopulate entire tissues. There are certain hallmarks that define the lifecourse of a cell: These include the ability to divide, to differentiate, to age and to die. Many human diseases, such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, occur because one or more of these key processes become deregulated. Cell biologists study these hallmarks, in order to understand how cells function so that errors can be corrected. Members of the Department study basic cellular processes such as stem cell differentiation and aging as well as pathologies such as Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, prion diseases, stroke, schizophrenia, spinal cord injury and cancer.
Faculty: Arthur Brown, Dale Laird, Patrick Lajoie, Peeyush Lala, Peter Merrifield, Lynne-Marie Postovit, Marco Prado, Kem Rogers, Walter Rushlow, Paul Walton.
Cell Systems and Behavior
Single neurons within the brain communicate mostly through synapses. Together these neurons form brain circuits and large assemblies for processing and integrating sensory information. Ultimately, the brain needs to generate appropriate behavioral responses. Using a combination of classical methods along with novel techniques such as functional MRI and optogenetics we start to unravel the mystery of brain function. Genetic, developmental or environmental impacts often cause altered neuronal signalling that lead to mental disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. Often in collaboration with cell biologists members of the department study changes in neuronal signaling and behavior associated with tinnitus and hearing loss, schizophrenia, drug addiction, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, stroke, and psychopathic behavior
Faculty: Brian Allman, David Cechetto, Steven Laviolette, Susanne Schmid, Shawn Whitehead, Derek Mitchell, Raj Rajakumar, Adrian Owen, Vania Prado.
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