University of California-Riverside · BiologyFiacco Neurobiology Lab
Todd A Fiacco · Riverside, California
Research Focus
Dr. Todd A. Fiacco's lab at UC Riverside focuses on how astrocytes, a type of brain cell, regulate their size and influence the electrical activity of neurons. His research investigates a specific channel (VRAC) that opens when astrocytes swell, leading to the release of important molecules like glutamate which affects communication between brain cells. This work aims to enhance our understanding of epilepsy and other neurological disorders by uncovering new targets for treatment.
astrocytesneural excitabilityvolume regulationepilepsyglutamatecell swellingseizuresvoltage-gated channelsbrain pathology
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how astrocytic VRAC contributes to brain tissue swelling.
AIM 02Examine the role of astrocytes in seizure generation and epileptogenesis.
AIM 03Identify mechanisms behind glutamate release from astrocytes during cell swelling.
Skills the Lab Values
in vivo modelingimmunohistochemistrygenetic knockout techniqueselectrophysiologymouse modelsfluorescence microscopyquantitative PCRRNA isolationwestern blotting
Output against the department
Publications38bottom 6% of dept.965th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.6kbottom 27% of dept.750th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
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