Research Opportunities Database
Mark Zervas
Assistant Professor of Biology
Department: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry
Phone: Tel: 401-863-6840
Phone 2: Fax: 401-863-9653
Email: Mark_Zervas@brown.edu
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Research Opportunities Database
Mark ZervasAssistant Professor of Biology Department: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & BiochemistryPhone: Tel: 401-863-6840 Phone 2: Fax: 401-863-9653 Email: Mark_Zervas@brown.edu Location:70 Ship Street, Room 436 - 863-6468 x9653Research SummaryAllocating specialized types of neurons and establishing their functional connections requires cell fate programming, differentiation, and neural circuit formation. We interrogate these coordinated mechanisms in midbrain dopamine neurons and thalamus relay neurons. We study these cells because they control movement and cognition, and are affected in Parkinson's disease, autism, and epilepsy. We also use knowledge of development to advance stem cell and pharmacological therapies in brain disease.Past or Present Projects Available:Testing hypotheses of mechanisms that control the development of midbrain dopamine neurons, hindbrain serotonin neurons, thalamus relay and inhibitory neurons; Conducting Genetic Inducible Fate Mapping studies - genetic based marking strategy to label and follow the fate of neurons in vivo; Temporal and spatial control of gene deletion and lineage tracing to study genetic logic of brain development; Mouse models of neurological disorders - Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy; Programming of embryonic stem cells; Testing stem cell and drug therapies in genetically altered mice |
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