Columbia University in the City of New York · BiologyNematode Neurons and Mechanosensation Unit
Martin Chalfie · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Martin Chalfie's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how nerve cells differentiate and function using the model organism, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. His research explores genetic mechanisms behind neuronal development, particularly in touch receptor neurons, and how these insights could relate to human health and disease. The lab employs advanced techniques to analyze gene functions that may enhance our understanding of mechanosensation and the cellular processes involved in nervous system disorders.
Caenorhabditis elegansneuronal differentiationmechanosensationgene discoverytouch receptor neuronscell differentiationprotein degradationtransduction channelsaxonal transport
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the genes required for neuronal differentiation in C. elegans.
AIM 02Analyze the molecular structure of the neuronal transduction complex.
AIM 03Identify genetic factors that modulate touch sensitivity in neurons.
AIM 04Explore the relationship between gene interactions and mechanosensory function.
AIM 05Characterize new genes involved in neurite outgrowth and ensheathment.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic analysisCaenorhabditis elegans techniquesCRISPRmolecular cloningcryoelectron microscopyneuronal cell cultureWestern blottingimmunohistochemistrybioinformatics
Output against the department
Publications166top 40% of dept.413th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations24ktop 16% of dept.168th 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.