Paez Laboratory

Paez Research Overview

Our research program focuses on brain development, studying the development of the oligodendroglial and astroglial cell lineages in the central nervous system in normal, mutant and transgenic mice. The primary focus in the laboratory is on ion channels that regulate specification, migration and differentiation of these glial cells. The oligodendrocyte generates CNS myelin, which is essential for normal nervous system function. Thus, investigating the regulatory and signaling mechanisms that control its differentiation and the production of myelin is relevant to our understanding of brain development and of adult pathologies such as multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell of the human brain. They perform many functions, including biochemical support of endothelial cells that form the blood brain barrier, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue and a role in the repair and scarring process of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries. Therefore, understanding the role of ion channels on astrocyte development and function could lead to novel approaches to intervene in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries in which inflammation and astrogliosis play a detrimental role.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Pablo M. Paez

Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology

Dr. Pablo M. Paez is a Principal Investigator of the Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration and Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Toxicology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo...

Learn more about Dr. Paez

Dr. Veronica Cheli

RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN NEUROLOGY; SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Paez Lab

2019-present: Research Assistant Professor, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
2013-present: Senior Research Scientist, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
2011-2012: Research Associate Professor, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles
2006-2011: Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles
2001-2006: PhD in Neuroscience, University of Buenos Aires, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Christina Angeliu

PhD Student, Paez Lab PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS)

2021-present: Neuroscience PhD Candidate, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
2017-2020: Bachelor of Arts, Biology and Psychology, The State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, New York

Karissa Garbarini

PhD Student, Paez Lab PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS)

2022-present: PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
2018-2021: Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience, The State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, New York

Jazmin Corral

PhD Student, Paez Lab PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS)

2022-present: PhD Student in Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
2017-2021: Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas