Dr. Matthew Rasband's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the structure and function of axons, particularly how they communicate and maintain stability in the nervous system. They study the molecular mechanisms that govern axon health and integrity, especially in the context of diseases like bipolar disorder and other neuropsychiatric conditions. By using advanced genetic and imaging techniques, they aim to discover new therapies that could potentially repair or preserve axon function during injury or disease.

Dr. Javier F. Medina's lab investigates how the cerebellum, a region of the brain essential for motor control and cognitive processes, learns from errors to improve functioning. The research focuses on understanding how error signals impact cerebellar activity during various tasks, which could lead to new therapies for disorders linked to cerebellar dysfunction, such as ataxia, autism, and schizophrenia. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and high-density neural probes, the lab aims to uncover how the cerebellum processes sensory information to enhance both movement and cognitive abilities.

Dr. Jeannie Chin's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding epilepsy, a serious neurological disorder. Their research investigates the role of a cellular pathway called mTOR, specifically its complex mTORC2, in the development of seizures. By combining techniques from genetics, molecular biology, and pharmacology, the team aims to uncover new mechanisms and therapies to better treat epilepsy and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Daoyun Ji's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how the brain enables observational learning, which is the process of learning by watching others. By studying the neural circuits involved, particularly the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind how we learn to navigate spaces and obtain rewards. This research has implications for understanding social learning and may provide insights into mental disorders where this type of learning is impaired.

Francois St-Pierre's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on developing advanced tools to study brain activity through voltage indicators. Their main goal is to create genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) that can effectively monitor voltage changes in neurons during various brain functions. These new tools will help scientists better understand how neurons communicate and how these processes can be affected by neurological disorders.

Dr. James P. Orengo's lab at Baylor College of Medicine investigates the mechanisms underlying Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a neurodegenerative disease that leads to severe motor dysfunction and premature death. The lab focuses on the role of motor neurons, which control muscle activities, in the progression of SCA1, seeking to distinguish their degeneration from that of cerebellar neurons. By using specialized mouse models, the team aims to uncover crucial molecular changes and identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Dr. Jacob Reimer's lab at Baylor College of Medicine investigates how the brain's neuromodulators, specifically acetylcholine and norepinephrine, influence sensory processing and attention. By experimenting with mice, the lab explores how these chemicals affect brain activity over space and time, which could enhance our understanding of cognitive functions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ADHD. The research seeks to clarify how neuromodulators contribute to the variability in responses to stimuli, potentially revealing new insights into attention mechanisms and treatment strategies.

Dr. Melanie Samuel's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how dopamine affects blood vessel growth in the retina. The research explores the role of retinal ganglion cells as sources of dopamine and how this influences vascular integrity in the eye. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms that may lead to new treatments for eye diseases linked to vascular issues, like diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Nora Vanegas-Arroyave's lab studies the causes of apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. They aim to understand how changes in the brain affect motivation and goal-directed behavior. Using neuroimaging and electrical stimulation techniques, the lab investigates ways to improve the quality of life for patients by developing targeted treatments for apathy.