Principal Investigator
gbassel@emory.edu
Postdoctoral Fellow
bart.anderson@emory.edu
I am interested in translational control and the function of non-coding RNAs and how defects in these processes contribute to human disease. Specifically, to better understand fragile X syndrome (FXS), I am investigating how the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) interacts with miRNAs and the RISC complex to regulate translation of target mRNAs.
Postdoctoral Fellow
cfallin@emory.edu
The aim of my research is to unravel the role of the SMN protein in motor neuron axons. By using primary motor neuron cultures and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) techniques, we are trying to identify SMN protein interactors involved in mRNA transport and local translation at the growth cone.
Laboratory Manager
jjohn38@emory.edu
My role is to provide management and technical support for the functionality of the lab on all levels and act as a liason between the lab and administrative units. I also assist Dr. Mei Xu with her research on the role of local protein synthesis on axon regeneration.
Instructor
cgross3@emory.edu
My research is focused on the molecular mechanisms leading to synaptic defects that are observed in fragile x syndrome (FXS). I am especially interested in how the translational dysregulation of specific target mRNAs in the absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) in FXS might lead to exaggerated signal transduction through group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. Using pharmacologic as well as genetic approaches, I am currently investigating potential strategies to rescue these cell signaling defects at FMRP deficient synapses.
Postdoctoral Fellow
alicia.l.hawthorne@emory.edu
I am interested in promoting axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury through mRNA binding proteins, such as ZBP1. mRNA binding proteins are important for local protein translation in the growth cone and for forward growth. By enhancing the growth capabilities of axons we may be able to promote successful regeneration through the inhibitory environment after CNS injury.
Postdoctoral Fellow
mariusifrim@emory.edu
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Lead Research Specialist
lli35@emory.edu
I do research on the Survival of Motor Neuron protein, SMN, under the direction of Dr. Rossoll.
Instructor
mattheyses@emory.edu
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Postdoctoral Fellow
rmuddas@emory.edu
My research interest is on the mechanism of translational regulation of FMRP target mRNAs at synapses, with a focus on the involvement of dendritic microRNAs.
Postdoctoral Fellow
vnalava@emory.edu
My research is on the molecular mechanisms of mRNA granule transport, with emphasis on the role of mRNA binding proteins, FMRP and ZBP1, as adapters for molecular motors, and to study how phosphorylation of these factors affects mRNA granule transport dynamics and translational regulation.
Assistant Professor
wrossol@emory.edu
My main research interest is the role of mRNA transport and local translation in the regulation of axon growth. My emphasis is on the function of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease protein SMN and the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease protein TDP-43 in the development and maintenance of motor neurons.
Graduate Student (Ph.D. program, Neuroscience)
sswange@emory.edu
I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that underlie activity dependent changes in synaptic strength. Specifically, my research focuses on how synaptic activity regulates dendritic mRNA transport and translation in hippocampal neurons.
Graduate Student (Ph.D. program, BCDB)
krwill7@emory.edu
I am interested in the biological role of mRNA binding proteins associated with SMN in development.
Postdoctoral Fellow (Ph.D. Program, BCDB)
lxing@emory.edu
I am interested in the role of mRNA binding proteins associated with the survival of motor neuron protein, and the function of these interactions in mRNA regulation underlying axonal growth.
Graduate Student (Ph.D. Program, BCDB)
xyao@emory.edu
My interests are in studying the possible role of FMRP protein in regulation of activity dependent receptor trafficking and cell surface expression.
