University of Rochester · GeneticsSex Differences in Neuronal Development Laboratory
Douglas S Portman · Rochester, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Douglas S. Portman's lab focuses on how biological sex influences the development and function of the nervous system using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a type of roundworm. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which sex impacts neuronal circuits and behavior, which could help us understand how these differences manifest in humans and contribute to various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. By investigating these pathways, the lab hopes to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating sex-specific neurological conditions.
biological sexneuronal developmentneurodegenerative disordersneuropsychiatric disordersC. eleganssensory integrationlong non-coding RNAneuron circuitsbehavioral statecell-autonomous mechanisms
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how biological sex modulates neuronal development and function.
AIM 02Identify the mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences in the nervous system.
AIM 03Explore the role of sex in sensory integration and decision-making behaviors.
AIM 04Analyze the flexibility of sexual state at the neuronal level in response to environmental signals.
AIM 05Study the regulatory programs involving long non-coding RNA related to sex differences in the nervous system.
Skills the Lab Values
C. elegans geneticsneuronal circuit mappingbehavioral assaysmolecular biology techniquesRNA analysisbioinformaticsdata visualizationmicroscopygene editingcell culture
Output against the department
Publications104bottom 32% of dept.177th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.8kbottom 7% of dept.242nd of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
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