My lab uses the specific strengths of two model systems (C.elegans and mice) to reveal the gene regulatory mechanisms that control motor neuron development and function. To reveal such mechanisms we employ novel methodology, such as whole genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, ATAC-seq and cell type-specific transcriptome profiling. Our laboratory aims to systematically test whether the function of the gene regulatory factors we discover in C.elegans is conserved across phylogeny using mouse genetics and novel genomic approaches.
A detailed understanding of how the motor neurons develop and function may provide novel entry points into the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of motor neuron disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). From the basic science perspective, our research will reveal novel transcription factors, their targets and the cis-regulatory elements (motifs) through which these factors act. Such decoding of cis-regulatory information is a vital step toward understanding genome function.
Columbia University
Postdoctoral training - Developmental Neurobiology
2016
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Ph.D. - Developmental Biology
2009
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development.
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development. iScience. 2025 Apr 18; 28(4):112210.
PMID: 40230530
Almost 40 years of studying homeobox genes in C. elegans.
Almost 40 years of studying homeobox genes in C. elegans. Development. 2024 Nov 01; 151(21).
PMID: 39475047
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Motor Circuit Development.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Motor Circuit Development. J Neurosci. 2024 Oct 02; 44(40).
PMID: 39358025
UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering.
UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering. Development. 2024 Aug 15; 151(16).
PMID: 39190555
Protocol for auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains.
Protocol for auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains. STAR Protoc. 2024 09 20; 5(3):103133.
PMID: 38878287
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development.
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development. bioRxiv. 2024 May 30.
PMID: 38853975
A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes.
A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes. Cell Rep. 2024 03 26; 43(3):113857.
PMID: 38421866
UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering.
UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering. bioRxiv. 2024 Feb 14.
PMID: 38405977
Efficacy of auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans tissues using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains.
Efficacy of auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans tissues using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains. bioRxiv. 2024 Jan 19.
PMID: 38293206
A DNA nanodevice for mapping sodium at single-organelle resolution.
A DNA nanodevice for mapping sodium at single-organelle resolution. Nat Biotechnol. 2024 Jul; 42(7):1075-1083.
PMID: 37735265
Award for Basic Research in Neurobiology
Whitehall Foundation
2017 - 2019
K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
National Institute of Health
2013 - 2018