Research Interests

Cellular differentiation in development

The nervous system is composed of a multitude of different cell types that are essential for neural circuit function.  Our goal is to understand the mechanisms by which such remarkable cell diversity is generated.

Neurodegeneration and disease

Most neurons are generated during development and must survive throughout life. Our focus is to identify the pathways essential for neuronal survival and examine if and how they are compromised in human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related diseases.

Microvesicles

Microvesicles released from cells are thought to be important vehicles for cellular processes such as cell-cell communication and signaling. Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier have made them candidates for therapeutic development. We are identifying the mechanisms important for microvesicle biogenesis and determining physiological roles for microvesicles in development and disease.