Research Projects

The five research projects of this COBRE examine different aspects of signaling across membranes, utilizing uniquely advantageous model systems. To bridge the widening gap between clinicians and basic scientists, we provide an environment that encourages basic scientists to place their research in a biomedical context. The COBRE strives to gain new biomedical insights that will improve understanding of physiological and pathophysiological processes, ultimately paving the way to treat human diseases.

Project 1: Thomas Kidd, Ph.D.
Neurotrophic Signaling in Drosophila

Project 2: Patricia Berninsone, Ph.D.
Secretion of Signaling Molecules

Project 3: Thomas Gould, Ph.D.
The Roles of Glia and Neural Activity in the Development of Neuromuscular Synapses

Project 4: Ruben Dagda, Ph.D.
Modulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control and Function by Serine/Threonine Kinases and Phosphatases in Neurons

Project 5: Robert Renden, Ph.D.
Disease-related Mitochondrial Dynamics and Synaptic Vesicle Recycling at an Identified Synapse