Neurobiology Group Neurobiology Group
Mailing address for anyone listed below:
Faculty & Research Areas
E-mail: aalfonso@uic.edu // Phone: 312/355-0318
[Developmental Neurobiology] This laboratory uses the nematode C. elegans as a model system, and classical and molecular genetic approaches, to determine how motor neurons are specified during development and to analyze the molecular machinery of synaptic transmission.
E-mail: sta@uic.edu //Phone: 312/355-0328
[Cell and Molecular Biology of Synapses] The Alford group studies the mechanisms involved in the control of neurotransmitter release. The laboratory uses giant synapses of the lamprey central nervous system to investigate mechanisms by which presynaptic receptors modulate transmitter release. Techniques include electrophysiology and imaging.
E-mail: ccomer@uic.edu // Phone: 312/996-2992
[Sensorimotor Integration] This group is interested in understanding how sensory information is processed into motor commands. The approach is to correlate behavior with signaling in brain circuits of insects and amphibians. Single cell lesions, and computer-based simulations are also used.
E-mail: def@uic.edu // Phone: 312/413-2516
[Synaptic development and plasticity] Using Drosophila melanogaster this lab identifies new molecules and mechanisms that control postsynaptic glutamate receptor expression, localization, and function.
E-mail: skelso@uic.edu // Phone: 312/996-2787
[Learning & Memory, Synapses] Dr. Kelso's laboratory is studying the cellular basis of memory and learning, and also the neural control of thermoregulation in mammals. His group uses slices of rat brain tissue and molecular techniques to pursue their interests.
E-mail: leonard@uic.edu // Phone: 312/996-4261
[Cell & Mol. Biology of Synapses] The Leonard group is interested in the mechanisms involved in the regulation of neuronal ion channels (such as glutamate receptors). The laboratory uses the Xenopus frog oocyte to express the channels and it serves as a simple single cell system in which to manipulate and assay their function.
E-mail: paulmalc@uic.edu // Phone: 312/413-1553
[Cell Mol. Biology of Synapses] Dr. Malchow's group is interested in the molecular mechanisms involved in neurotransmitter release and uptake. The laboratory uses the vertebrate retina as a model system, and cellular and molecular techniques to determine the effects of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators on the retinal neurons.
E-mail: dmurphy@uic.edu // Phone: 312/996-8087
[Sensorimotor Integration] This laboratory group studies the neural basis of rhythmic behaviors like feeding and regurgitation in molluscs. The laboratory uses video microscopy, electrophysiology and pharmacology to address the organization and modulation of the multifunctional neuronal pattern generation underlying these behaviors.
E-mail: tpark@uic.edu // Phone: 312/413-3020
[Sensory Processing] Dr. Park and his students are interested in understanding the neurophysiology of the auditory system in bats and in defining the neural circuitry involved in sound location. The laboratory utilizes the behavioral responses of bats to sound as well as electrophysiology to address these questions.
E-mail: jer@uic.edu // Phone: 312/413-2513
The Richmond laboratory combines genetic and molecular approaches with an in vivo electrophysiological assay of synaptic transmission to study the involvement of proteins in exocytosis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
