October 2024 Seminar
Speaker
Natasha O'Brown
Rutgers
When: Oct 25, 2024 - 12:00pm - 01:00pm
Where: 1010 PAIS
We investigate molecular and cellular regulators of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is the name for the uniquely restrictive properties of cerebral blood vessels that act to maintain ion and nutrient homeostasis and help protect the brain from invading toxins and pathogens. And while in normal life, this is a good thing, the BBB also acts as a huge obstacle for effective drug delivery in diseased states, such as brain tumors. Furthermore, BBB breakdown has been implicated in the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and stroke. Therefore, we’d like to find new ways to both increase barrier permeability for better therapeutic access to the brain and shut down BBB leakage in ND to prevent further damage. We will do this primarily using the zebrafish model system, live imaging, transplantation and other cellular perturbations, classic genetics and small molecule screens with behavioral readouts. We do this with a child-like curiosity, creativity, and a sense of humor as we work together towards achieving these goals.
