West Virginia University · NeuroscienceSynaptic Zinc Research Group
Charles Anderson · Morgantown, West Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Charles Anderson's lab at West Virginia University focuses on the role of synaptic zinc in brain function and its impact on cognitive and sensory processing. The team investigates how zinc is released, cleared, and utilized at synapses, as well as how it influences neuronal communication and structure. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
synaptic zincneurotransmitterscognitive impairmentzinc transportersneuroscienceautismschizophrenianeighboring brain structures
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how zinc is released and cleared at synaptic terminals.
AIM 02Examine how different brain cells utilize zinc during synaptic transmission.
AIM 03Study the effects of zinc on neuronal activity and synaptic structure.
AIM 04Understand the role of zinc transporter proteins in regulating synaptic zinc dynamics.
AIM 05Determine the impact of synaptic zinc signaling on cognitive and sensory functions.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell culturemouse modelsbehavioral assaysbiochemical assaysimmunohistochemistryneurophysiological techniquesmolecular cloningelectrophysiology
Output against the department
Publications52bottom 11% of dept.594th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.1kbottom 13% of dept.582nd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.