Principal Investigator
gbassel@emory.edu
Postdoctoral Fellow
cfallini@cellbio.emory.edu
The aim of my research is to unravel the role of the SMN protein in motor neuron axons. By using primary motor neuron cultures and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) techniques, we are trying to identify SMN protein interactors involved in mRNA transport and local translation at the growth cone.
Laboratory Manager
jjohn38@emory.edu
My role is to provide management and technical support for the functionality of the lab on all levels and act as a liason between the lab and administrative units. I also assist Dr. Mei Xu with her research on the role of local protein synthesis on axon regeneration.
Postdoctoral Fellow
cgross3@emory.edu
My research is focused on the molecular mechanisms leading to synaptic defects that are observed in fragile x syndrome (FXS). I am especially interested in how the translational dysregulation of specific target mRNAs in the absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) in FXS might lead to exaggerated signal transduction through group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. Using pharmacologic as well as genetic approaches, I am currently investigating potential strategies to rescue these cell signaling defects at FMRP deficient synapses.
Lead Research Specialist
lli35@emory.edu
I do research on the Survival of Motor Neuron protein, SMN, under the direction of Dr. Rossoll.
Postdoctoral Fellow
rmuddas@emory.edu
My research interest is on the mechanism of translational regulation of FMRP target mRNAs at synapses, with a focus on the involvement of dendritic microRNAs.
Postdoctoral Fellow
vnalava@emory.edu
My research is on the molecular mechanisms of mRNA granule transport, with emphasis on the role of mRNA binding proteins, FMRP and ZBP1, as adapters for molecular motors, and to study how phosphorylation of these factors affects mRNA granule transport dynamics and translational regulation.
Instructor
wrossol@emory.edu
My main research interest is the role of mRNA transport and local translation in the regulation of axon growth. My emphasis is on the function of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease protein SMN in the development and maintenance of motor neurons.
Graduate Student (Ph.D. program, Neuroscience)
sswange@emory.edu
I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that underlie activity dependent changes in synaptic strength. Specifically, my research focuses on how synaptic activity regulates dendritic mRNA transport and translation in hippocampal neurons.
Postdoctoral Fellow
kwelshh@emory.edu
My interests lie in understanding the relationship between an mRNA binding protein that is essential for appropriate development, zipcode binding protein 1 (ZBP1), and its beta-actin mRNA cargo. There are currently two facets to my research: One, to investigate the role of ZBP1 in the regulation of axon outgrowth and guidance during development, and two, to understand the role of ZBP1 in the transport and translation of beta-actin mRNA in axonal growth cones.
> Graduate Student (Ph.D. program, BCDB)
krwill7@emory.edu
I am interested in the biological role of mRNA binding proteins associated with SMN in development.
Postdoctoral Fellow (Ph.D. Program, BCDB)
lxing@emory.edu
I am interested in the role of mRNA binding proteins associated with the survival of motor neuron protein, and the function of these interactions in mRNA regulation underlying axonal growth.
Postdoctoral Fellow
mxu3@emory.edu
My research is on role of local protein synthesis in axon regeneration and the use of lentiviral vectors to augment nerve regeneration following injury. For in vitro studies, I use primary neuron culture and established cell lines, whereas peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury models are used for in vivo studies.
Graduate Student (Ph.D. Program, BCDB)
xyao@emory.edu
My interests are in studying the possible role of FMRP protein in regulation of activity dependent receptor trafficking and cell surface expression.
