Washington University in St Louis · NeuroscienceThe Circadian Neurobiology Lab
Erik Steven Musiek · Saint Louis, Missouri
Research Focus
Dr. Erik Musiek's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how disruptions in circadian rhythms affect brain function and contribute to Alzheimer's Disease. The lab explores the role of specific proteins, called REV-ERBs, in regulating the activity of astrocytes, which are support cells in the brain. By manipulating these proteins, the goal is to find new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the damaging effects of Alzheimer's Disease on brain health.
circadian rhythmsAlzheimer's DiseaseastrocytesneuroinflammationREV-ERB proteinssleep-wake cyclesprotein aggregationsynaptic plasticityneurodegenerationbrain homeostasis
Research Aims
3AIM 01Elucidate how REV-ERB proteins regulate astrocyte activation and calcium signaling.
AIM 02Investigate how astrocyte REV-ERBs control synaptic plasticity through extracellular matrix regulation.
AIM 03Determine the effects of manipulating REV-ERBs in astrocytes on Alzheimer's pathology such as tau seeding.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRmouse modelscalcium imagingcell cultureWestern blotin vivo imaginghistologygene expression analysisbiochemical assaysdata analysis
Output against the department
Publications171top 44% of dept.294th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations10ktop 39% of dept.260th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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