Columbia University in the City of New York · BiochemistryNeural Identity and Development Lab
Thomas P Maniatis · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Thomas P. Maniatis's lab studies how specific genes help form the connections between neurons in the brain during development. They focus on a group of genes known as protocadherins, which give neurons unique identities necessary for building proper neural circuits. By investigating how mutations in these genes can affect brain wiring, the research aims to understand their role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Overall, the lab seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
neural circuit assemblyprotocadherinsautismneurodevelopmental disordersCRISPRneuron identityserotonergic neuronsdopaminergic neuronsgenetic mutations
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how specific mutations in protocadherin genes affect neuron interactions and behaviors.
AIM 02Utilize CRISPR technology to create mutations in human stem cells and study their effects on neuron development.
AIM 03Examine the role of protocadherins in the wiring of serotonin and dopamine producing neurons in the brain.
Skills the Lab Values
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editingcell culture techniqueshigh-throughput screeningimmunofluorescence microscopygene expression analysisneuron differentiation from hiPSCsbehavioral assays in miceDNA sequencingdata analysis using R or Python