ACKERMAN LAB AT UCSD

The goal of our laboratory is to define the molecular pathways necessary to maintain homeostasis in both the developing and aging nervous system. To do this we utilize both phenotype-driven forward genetics and gene-driven reverse genetics to identify mutations that are associated with abnormal CNS development or neurodegeneration. Our approach has uncovered disruptions in several novel pathways that were not previously associated with loss of neuronal function but have been shown to cause human disease subsequent to our studies. We also use forward genetics to identify single-locus suppressor/enhancer genes of these mutations to enhance our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying these phenotypes and our progress toward therapeutic innovation in these diseases. We are particularly interested in the role of alterations in translation elongation, translational fidelity, proteostasis, and RNA metabolism in neuronal function.

Also known as: Ackerman Lab

Primary location: La Jolla United States