We are investigating how myelination affects network function in health and in neurodevelopmental disorders. Myelination, the formation of multi-layered membrane sheaths around axons is critical for neuronal health and fast signal transmission. In the central nervous system, myelin is produced by glia cells called oligodendrocytes. Each oligodendrocyte extends multiple processes that wrap around different axons, providing electrical insulation and metabolic support. In the cortex, a significant proportion of myelination is attributed to cortical interneurons. My recent work showed that in the human and mouse adult brain, myelin is critical for interneuron survival and function. The lab aims to discover:
The mechanisms that regulate interneuron myelination during normal brain development
The impact of interneuron myelination on network performance
The contribution of cortical myelin in the dysregulation of neuronal networks in pre-clinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders
Our goal is to explore the communication between neurons and oligodendrocytes during brain development, with the hope to reveal new strategies for cellular and functional recovery in neurodevelopmental disorders.
