University of California-Davis · BiologyChandelier Cell Research Lab
Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno · Davis, California
Research Focus
Dr. Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the relationship between specialized brain cells called Chandelier (Ch) cells and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By studying how these cells function and their numbers in various brain regions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into the biological basis of autism symptoms. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with ASD.
autism spectrum disorderChandelier cellsGABAergic systemneurogenesisprefrontal cortex
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify alterations in Ch cell numbers in the prefrontal cortex of ASD patients.
AIM 02Correlate the number of Ch cells with the severity of ASD symptoms.
AIM 03Assess the impact of Ch cell abnormalities on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
AIM 04Explore Ch cell function in other cortical and subcortical areas related to ASD.
AIM 05Investigate the relationship between GABA system disruptions and ASD symptomatology.
Skills the Lab Values
immunochemistrycell countingtissue stainingdata analysisbehavioral assessment
Output against the department
Publications138top 50% of dept.515th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.6ktop 40% of dept.413th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.