The research aims of my laboratory are:

1)  To determine cellular and biophysical mechanisms that control rhythmic behaviours in the animals. Most rhythmic behaviours such as respiration, locomotion and feeding are control by networks of neurons in the brain, termed central pattern generators (CPG). Identification of individual CPG neurons and characterization of their intrinsic membrane and synaptic properties are critical for understanding how brain controls these behaviours. In these studies, we utilize intact, semi-intact and isolated brain preparations from a wide variety of animal species. Utilizing intracellular microelectrode recording techniques, we locate and study rhythm generating neurons that control various animal behaviours.

The first in vitro central pattern generator (journal reference)

2)  To determine cellularand molecular mechanisms underlying neurite outgrowth, regeneration, axonal pathfinding, target cell selection, specific synapse formation and neuronal plasticity during development and regeneration. Our laboratory is also interested in understandingthe cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system development, regeneration and plasticity. Specifically we wish to determine how neurons exhibit neurite outgrowth, find their path enroute towards their targets in order to form specific synaptic connections with their partner cells. Utilizing state-of-the-art modern neurobiological techniques we simultaneously monitor growth cone behaviour via time lapse imaging of the advancing neurites while making intracellular recordings from the neurons. In our research, we utilize the large, individually identifiable neuron of molluscs. These neurons can be examined both during development or in the adult and they have a remarkable capacity to regenerate when damaged. Thus many important aspects of neural development and regeneration (eg. neurite outgrowth, growth cone motility, synapse formation) can be readily investigated.

Immunofluorescence of microtubules in growth cone

Transplanted neuron regenerates

Analysis of soma to soma synapase between giant neurons