Current Research Projects
Our projects aim to understand the physiological, circuitry, and behavioral changes that cause the motor and non-motor symptoms of movement disorders then translate these findings into novel therapeutics for these disorders.
GNAL Linked Dystonia
Mutations in GNAL encoding the G protein alpha subunit Galpha(olf) are causitive for dystonia. Using novel mouse and viral models of this form of dystonia, we are performing multidisciplinary experiments to understand how dystonia occurs and which brain region(s) drive dystonia
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is part of a family of disorders caused by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein into pathological aggregates. In this project we aim to understand how pathological alpha-synuclein alters neuronal physiology and circuitry, and how certain neuromodulatory GPCRs can reverse these changes.
Biology of the M4 mAChR in the Basal Ganglia
Several mechanisms for how activation of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor influences the basal ganglia have been previously identified. We continue to explore how M4 can influence the basal ganglia. Current effort is focused on understanding the role of M4 in modifying cholinergic neuron activity and acetylcholine release.
Pilot Project: Dyt1 Dystonia
Mutations in Dyt1 are causative for dystonia. Recent evidence suggests that loss of this gene in the cerebellum drives dystonic phenotypes. We aim to understand how muscarinic modulation can alter these cerebellar phentotypes for symptomatic benefit in this form of dystonia.