University of California-Davis · NeuroscienceDendritic Spine Research Laboratory
Karen Zito · Davis, California
Research Focus
Dr. Karen Zito's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how brain cells adapt and change through experiences, which is crucial for learning and memory. Her team studies tiny structures called dendritic spines on neurons, which are essential for forming connections in the brain. By exploring the molecular signaling involved in spine growth and stability, especially in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's, the lab aims to uncover ways to improve brain health and tackle cognitive dysfunction.
dendritic spinessynaptic plasticityAlzheimer's diseaseneural circuitsmolecular signaling
Research Aims
3AIM 01Elucidate molecular signaling mechanisms that regulate the growth and stabilization of dendritic spines.
AIM 02Investigate the role of RhoGEF Ephexin5 in dendritic spine dynamics related to learning.
AIM 03Define interactions of CaMKII in spine growth and stabilization during circuit formation.
Skills the Lab Values
two-photon imagingfluorescence lifetime imaginggenetically-encoded biosensorsmolecular geneticsbiochemical techniquesproteomicsphotostimulationcell culturedata analysis with imaging techniques
Output against the department
Publications65bottom 17% of dept.557th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.3kbottom 25% of dept.501st of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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