Our laboratory investigates how calcium signaling and calcium channels regulate the development and function of glial cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Our research focuses on oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS and PNS, respectively, and seeks to define how calcium-dependent mechanisms control cell specification, migration, differentiation, myelination, and repair. We are also interested in the role of calcium signaling in astrocytes and how astrocytic calcium dynamics influence glial-neuronal communication, neural circuit function, and tissue homeostasis. To address these questions, we employ transgenic animal models, in vivo and ex vivo calcium imaging, chemogenetic approaches, electrophysiology, histological analyses, and behavioral studies. In addition, we utilize experimental models of myelin injury and repair to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote remyelination and functional recovery in neurological disease.

A second major focus of our laboratory is understanding the role of iron metabolism in glial cell physiology and pathology. Iron is an essential cofactor for oxidative metabolism, myelin synthesis, and numerous cellular processes, yet disruptions in iron homeostasis are increasingly linked to neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Our research examines how iron is acquired, stored, and utilized by glial cells, and how iron accumulation in astrocytes, microglia, and myelinating glia influences cellular function and responses to injury. Using molecular, histological, imaging, and animal model approaches, we seek to define the mechanisms by which altered iron metabolism contributes to nervous system dysfunction and to identify potential therapeutic strategies for promoting brain health, preserving myelin integrity, and enhancing repair following injury and disease.

• Courtney Benson, PhD Student
• Tomas Carden, International PhD Student
  
• Mariano Guardia Clausi, International PhD Student
  
• Simon Foale, International PhD Student
  
• Diara Santiago- González, PhD Student
• Eugenia Guitart, International PhD Student
• Leandro Marziali, International PhD Student
• Gisela Novack, International PhD Student
• Graham Smith, International PhD Student
• Norma Zamora, PhD Student
• Giancarlo Denaroso, Master Student
• Tenzing Lama, Master Student
• Shaina Rosenblum, Master Student
• Madhurya Sekhar, Master Student
• Qiuchen Wan, Master Student
• Rensheng Wan, Master Student
• Tonami Wartanian, Master Student
• Jacqueline Reid, Undergraduate Student 
• Jessica Smith, Undergraduate Student
• Precious deVerteiul, Undergraduate Student
• Zachary Smith, Master Student 
• Swathi Tumuluri , Master Student
• Congying Wang , Master Student
• Karishma Kedari, Master Student 
• Karissa Garbarine, PhD Student