University of Pennsylvania · NeuroscienceOlfactory Development and Connectivity Lab
Jonathan A Raper · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Jonathan Raper's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how the olfactory system is wired during embryo development. They focus on how sensory neurons, responsible for detecting smells, navigate and connect to specific targets in the brain's olfactory bulb. Using zebrafish as a model, the lab explores molecular signals that guide these neurons, which could lead to new treatments for conditions that impair the sense of smell, such as aging or certain genetic disorders.
olfactory systemaxon guidanceneuronal connectivityzebrafish modelmolecular mechanisms
Research Aims
4AIM 01Identify candidate genes involved in olfactory sensory neuron targeting
AIM 02Assess the function of axon guidance cues in directing olfactory sensory axons
AIM 03Investigate molecular mechanisms essential for establishing olfactory connectivity
AIM 04Develop therapeutic strategies for olfactory repair in anosmia patients
Skills the Lab Values
single cell RNA sequencinggene knockdown techniquesneuron imaginganimal model handlingdata analysis in genetics
Output against the department
Publications62bottom 15% of dept.566th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.4ktop 50% of dept.338th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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