Motor Control and Movement ScienceAreas of interest include mechanisms of vestibular and visual integration into control of eye movements, cellular mechanisms of rhythmic pattern generators, spinal motor mechanisms and neuromuscular physiology, physiology of oculomotor behavior, pathophysiology/treatments of Parkinson's disease, and motor rehabilitation following stroke. Faculty with interests in Motor Control and Movement Science:Francisco Alvarez francisco.j.alvarez@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteResearch Interest: The principal interest of our lab is the development and plasticity of synaptic circuits in functional networks. More specifically, our lab focuses on spinal motor circuit assembly during development, resulting in the formation of spinal circuits capable of adult-like locomotion. Within these circuits our main interest is on the specification, synaptogenesis and maturation of inhibitory interneurons that modulate and pattern the activity of motoneurons. We then apply this knowledge to understand spinal cord circuit plasticity after peripheral nerve injury and neurodegenerative disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the first case, permanent circuit modifications at the level of the spinal cord and induced by the nerve injury might be responsible for lingering motor deficits even after the peripheral nerve correctly regenerates and innervates targets in the periphery. In ALS, inhibitory synapse and circuit anomalies could contribute to trigger the onset of motoneuron pathology by exacerbating their hyperexcitability.  Gary Bassell gary.bassell@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteThe major research interest of our laboratory is to understand the diverse and critical roles played by local protein synthesis in the central and peripheral nervous system to regulate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and regeneration. In addition, we are studying how impairments in local protein synthesis contribute to Fragile X syndrone (FXS) and other autism spectrum disorders, as well as two motor neuron diseases: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral scherosis (ALS). We are using in vitro and in vivo models of synaptic activity, nerve and spinal cord injury, as well as mouse models of neurological diseases, to assess the function of mRNA regulation and local protein synthesis in axon guidance, nerve regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. Efforts are also underway to characterize altered neuronal receptor signaling pathways and evaluate different therapeutic modalities in these mouse models of neurological diseases. Our research utilizes an integrated multi-disciplinary approach that involves cellular, molecular, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral methods and paradigms. These studies are expected to reveal new mechanisms important for neuronal development and function, and targeted approaches for therapeutic intervention that treat underlying molecular defects.  Cathrin Buetefisch cathrin.buetefisch@emory.eduTraining FacultyMy research is focused on improving the understanding of mechanisms underlying motor system plasticity and developing means to modulate plasticity with the clinical translational aspect of formulating rehabilitation strategies to improve functional recovery in neurological patients. Motor cortex reorganization plays a major role in post-stroke recovery of motor function, and is a primary therapeutic target for rehabilitation. Mechanisms that modify synaptic efficacy, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) are thought to be involved in this process. In my lab, we study mechanisms and means to modulate motor cortex reorganization in the intact and injured brain using neuroimaging techniques, such as functional and structural MRI, and electrophysiological techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and pharmaceutical interventions.  Andrew Butler ajbutle@emory.eduAssociate FacultyMy research focuses primarily on how volitional movement, motor learning, and organized motor behavior are represented in the human brain. We are interested in evaluating the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy on cortical motor reorganization following stroke using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Future concerns address the use of complementary and alternative methods, such as mental imagery and virtual reality, as vehicles to expand rehabilitation interventional possibilities. We are interested in the relationship between molecular science and rehabilitation. Specifically, we seek to develop collaborations that permit ways to explore changes in the nervous system through blood samples or other biomarkers.  Ronald Calabrese rcalabre@biology.emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur lab studies the neural circuit that controls the hearts of medicinal leeches. We record the electrical activity of neurons in this circuit with microelectrodes. Using voltage clamp techniques, we isolate and characterize the individual ionic currents which contribute to this activity. We also study the biophysics of synaptic transmission and the role of background calcium in synaptic plasticity using Ca imaging. To understand how membrane currents and synaptic transmission interact to produce the activity of the circuit, we simulate the ionic currents and cell connectivity with realistic biophysical models. We also use such models in real time simulation to construct hybrid systems between computer and neuron to analyze circuit and neuronal function. We address the general questions of how rhythmic motor patterns are generated and coordinated by networks of interneurons and how these patterns are used to produce the final pattern of activity in motor neurons that produce functionally coordinated movement.  Mahlon R. DeLong medmrd@emory.eduAssociate FacultyOur research is directed at a better understanding of the functional organization of the basal ganglia and thalamus and the role of these structures in behavior and clinical disorders. We are particularly interested in the role of these structures in voluntary movement and in the pathophysiology of movement disorders. Our research employs the techniques of single cell recording from behaving animals, lesioning with neurotoxins, tract-tracing and combined anatomical/physiologic mapping.  Mark M. Goodman mgoodma@emory.eduTraining FacultyResearch interests emcompass PET and SPECT radiotracer development of heart, brain and oncology agents with an emphasis on the design and evaluation of radiolabeled fatty acids for in vivo study of regional fatty acid metabolism in heart disorders, cocaine analogs for in vivo study of the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine reuptake sites in neurodegenerative disease, psychiatric and addictive disorders, heterocyclic spiperone analogs for in vivo mapping of D2 dopamine recpetors in psychiatric disorders, peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands for imaging peripheral vascular disease and mappping of intracranial tumors, carbohydrates for in vivo study of regional glucose metabolism in heart disorders, brain disorders, and cancer, and alicyclic and branched chain amino acids for in vivo mapping of intracranial ans systemic tumors.  Ellen Hess ehess@pharm.emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur laboratory uses molecular, genetic, anatomical and behavioral approaches to determine the contribution of the basal ganglia and cerebellum to normal movements and movement disorders. Our specific interest is the pathophysiological basis of dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by abnormal patterns and strengths of muscle contractions caused by dysfunction of the basal ganglia, the cerebellum or both.  Shawn Hochman shawn.hochman@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWe have broad interests in synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation associated with spinal cord injury, pain, locomotion, and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).  Donald R. Humphrey dhumphr@emory.eduAssociate FacultyOur laboratory focuses upon the organization and the role of the primate motor cortex in the control of learned, skilled movements. Two major areas of research are currently addressed. In the first, experiments are conducted with alert, behaving monkeys in which modern electrophysiological methods are used to examine the plasticity of motor cortical representations of the body. In the second series of experiments, we are examining the extent to which the discharge of motor cortical neurons can be brought under voluntary control by the alert animal.  H. A. (Buz) Jinnah hjinnah@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur research interests are in the biological basis for neurological and behavioral disorders. We have a special interest in the biological basis of dystonia, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary twisting movements and unnatural postures with many different etiologies. Our research strategy involves two complementary approaches. One approach entails studies of biological mechanisms responsible for dystonia in Lesch-Nyhan disease, a rare neurogenetic disorder for which the genetic mutations and biochemical defects are known. The other approach involves the investigation of biological mechanisms shared by different forms of dystonia, with the goal of identifying final common molecular and neural pathways.  Jorge L. Juncos jjuncos@emory.eduAssociate FacultyThe research in this laboratory uses neurochemical and behavioral techniques to study the mechanisms of drug action in the rat central nervous system (CNS). Comparing the effects of selective pharmacological probes and drug administration strategies we hope to better understand the neural basis of motor behaviors in animals.  Christopher E. Muly ecmuly@rmy.emory.eduTraining FacultyMy research interest is how various forms of experience alter the structural organization of nerve cell communication. We are pursuing this interest in the amygdala, where we are studying how stress alters the distribution and plasticity of glutamate receptors and key signaling proteins. We are also studying how dopamine depletion alters the signal transduction environment in direct versus indirect pathway striatal medium spiny neurons. Finally, we are studying the action of antipsychotic drugs in different brain regions using PET imaging techniques. These studies will inform our understanding of experience and drug mediate alterations in brain functioning and will be relevant to a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including PTSD, Parkinson's Disease and Schizophrenia.  Stella Papa spapa@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteWe work in the area of pathophysiology and therapeutics of neurodegenerative disorders. Our research is focused in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Current projects are based on electrophysiology and Pharmacology/cellular biology techniques using primate animal models. Physiology studies involve recording of neuronal activity in vivo, and pharmacology studies involve behavioral testing, autoradiography, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, etc.  Marie-Claude Perreault m-c.perreault@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteThe cortex communicates with the spinal cord mostly indirectly through neurons located in the brainstem. The main research interest of my laboratory is to understand how brain stem-spinal cord circuits control movement. A better understanding of the normal capabilities of these neural circuits will help assessing their potential for functional recovery after brain or spinal cord injury . Research questions are addressed using a multidisciplinary approach that includes trans-synaptic labeling of neural circuits, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and laser scanning photo-stimulation to functionally map synaptic connections. We use the mouse as an animal model, including transgenic lines for genetic labeling or modification of specific populations of spinal neurons.  Wilfried Rossoll wrossol@emory.eduAssociate FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur main research interest is the biological role of mRNA transport and local translation in neurons and their dysfunction in neurological diseases. The focus of several ongoing projects is on animal and in vitro models of motor neuron disease to study the axonal function of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease protein SMN and the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease protein TDP-43 in motor neurons. It is our long-term goal to gain an understanding of the underlying molecular pathology of SMA and ALS that will help us to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In collaboration with the Emory core facilities, we use a variety of approaches. These include primary neuron cell culture, proteomics methods, generation of transgenic mice, engineered TALEN nucleases, AAV vectors for gene delivery into the spinal cord, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into motor neurons, and the use of compartmentalized cultures and microfluidic devices. In collaboration with the Laboratory for Translational Cell Biology we are also developing human patient-derived stem cell culture models of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease and high content assays for drug discovery.  David B. Rye drye@emory.eduTraining FacultyOur laboratory seeks to discover the molecular, cell, and brain systems underlying various aspects of normal and pathological sleep/wake behaviors with an eye on improving recognition and treatment for common sleep disorders. Bench research is driven by 'bedside' clinical observations, therefore ensuring that our efforts translate to the human condition. A principal focus is on Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and associated comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular and psychoaffective disorders) given our discovery in 2007 of the major genetic basis for this common disorder. We are also deeply committed to deciphering the biological basis for maintaining proper alertness throughout the day. We employ anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological techniques in genetically engineered mice, rats, and non-human primates, and complementary investigations in humans. Molecular biological tools are being incorporated into our repertoire informed by ours and deCODE Genetics (Reykjavik, Iceland) collaborative efforts to mine the human genome for the genetic basis for sleep and its disorders.  Sam Sober samuel.j.sober@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteSuccessfully producing complex behavior requires that neurons in the brain produce a pattern of muscular activation that in turn results in the desired behavioral output. My research on singing behavior in finches investigates the relationship between these very different levels of description - neural activity, muscular activation, and task performance - by using a range of techniques to describe how neural circuits drive vocal output and are modified by sensorimotor experience. This work combines physiological recordings from neurons and muscles, behavioral manipulations, and computational approaches to describe the interplay between sensory feedback, motor production, and neural plasticity.  Alan Sokoloff sokoloff@physio.emory.eduAssociate FacultyMy research focuses on the interactions between central nervous system and muscle physiology to determine the fundamentals of motor control and its evolution in vertebrates. I believe that a comprehensive understanding of motor systems can best arise from comparative investigation of interactions between the multiple elements - cortex, brainstem, spinal cord, muscle - that control posture and movement. I am therefore pursuing this study through investigation of the basic neural principles that organize motor behavior and the phylogenetic constraints that limit and shape neuromuscular adaptation.  Lena Ting lting@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteHow do we move so elegantly through unpredictable and dynamic environments? In my lab, we study balance control and locomotion in humans and animals to understand the organization of neural mechanisms underlying motor behaviors in general. Using a novel combination of engineering and neurophysiology techniques, and an interplay of experimental and computational studies, we are studying sensorimotor processes underlying muscle coordination in both heath and disease. Our work integrates ideas from neuroscience, biomechanics, robotics, rehabilitation, physiology, psychology, and cognitive science, addressing how neural circuits, musculoskeletal properties, adaptive process, and perception shape how we move.  Randy Trumbower randy.trumbower@emory.eduTraining FacultyClick To View My Lab WebsiteOur most recent investigations examined the neural contributions to the regulation of multijoint limb mechanics in able-bodied individuals and how this regulation becomes altered following hemiparetic stroke and spinal cord injury. Findings from these studies will offer new insight into the neural and mechanical constraints that emerge following neurologic impairment, which may then be used to better define patient-specific interventions that target these constraints.  Thomas Wichmann twichma@emory.eduTraining FacultyWe are interested in understanding the function of the basal ganglia in the normal state and in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease or dyskinesias. These experiments will help to develop new rational treatments for these diseases that can then be used in humans. For these studies we are using a combination of electrophysiologic, biochemical and anatomical methods.  Steven L. Wolf swolf@emory.eduTraining FacultyMy primary interests involve instrumented learning of motor control in human subjects. As part of that learning we are now engaged in examining associations between cortical reorganization and functional improvements among individuals who have sustained a cerebrovascular accident as they are forced to use the impaired upper extremity while the better upper limb is immobilized. Cortical reorganization is assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional MRI. We also assess kinetic changes in upper limb use during efforts to manipulation the environment. We have started a series of studies using TMS to create upper extremity muscle maps in able-bodied humans as a basis for ascertaining motor cortical plasticity following interventions designed to enhance motor control. Another focus of this laboratory involves examining postural control and gait in older adults who undergo novel treatment interventions, such as Tai Chi, which are designed to reduce or delay fall events. Last, we continue to study morphological and physiological aspects of multi-joint muscles to further comprehend their kinesiological significance.  |
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S. Sober Lab - Bengalese Finch with headphones. The headphones allow manipulation of the way the birds hear their own songs so that we can study how the brain processes auditory information and learns from experience.
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S. Traynelis Lab - Tracking of microglial cell motility over time; the lines represent the movements of the cell over a 15-minute period
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L. Young Lab - Graduate student Sara Freeman hard at work in the lab
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