The formation and maintenance of neural circuits depends on coordinated signaling across thousands of neural and non-neuronal cell types. These range from distinct subtypes of neurons to different types of glia and vasculature cells. This diversity presents a significant challenge in merging different studies into a coherent understanding. Our goal is to understand, and eventually modify, these complex interactions by mapping and testing molecular modules to define the drivers that dictate coordinated brain cell interactions.
To achieve this goal, we have developed technologies and paradigms to achieve a fundamentally more integrative analysis of circuit and interface modulators. In our lab, we use a range of in vivo mouse models together with human iPS organoids. We apply nanoscopic imaging, high throughput sequencing, CRISPR screening, proteomics, and microfluids technologies to holistically discover brain cell interface regulators.
