Research
We are using various approaches to map the topography of schizophrenia-associated genes
(click on the image to play the movie).
(click on the image to play the movie).
The Cruz-Martin Lab at the University of Colorado focuses on several key research areas, primarily centered on neuroimmune modulation and its effects on brain development, function, and disease. Here are some of the main areas of research:
1. Neuroimmune Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity and Pathology in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
1. Neuroimmune Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity and Pathology in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
- Overview: The lab investigates how immune molecules, particularly those in the complement system, influence synaptic plasticity and contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SCZ) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
- Key Focus: Understanding the role of complement component 4 (C4) overexpression (C4-OE) in aberrant circuit wiring and synaptic pathology. The lab uses techniques like in vivo imaging, STED super-resolution microscopy, electrophysiology, and optogenetics to study these mechanisms.
- Goals: To uncover how C4 regulates synaptic protein recycling and synaptic plasticity and to discover novel pathways by which complement pathways influence brain development and neurodegeneration.
2. Cell-Type Specific Contributions to Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Anxiety
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
- Overview: This research explores how specific types of interneurons, such as Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-expressing interneurons (VIP-INs) and Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs), contribute to the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders and anxiety.
- Key Findings: The lab has identified distinct subpopulations of VIP-INs that respond to different stimuli, providing insights into cortical encoding of information related to anxiety and social behavior. They are also investigating the role of C4-OE in PV-INs and its effects on neural circuits and behavior.
- Techniques: Techniques include optogenetics, electrophysiology, in vivo Ca2+ imaging, genetic models, and machine learning approaches to dissect molecular mechanisms underlying complement pathology in interneuronal populations.
We use behavioral paradigms and imaging of calcium activity using miniscopes to study the neuronal circuits that underlie
social behaviors (click on the mage to play the movie).
social behaviors (click on the mage to play the movie).
3. Role of Immune and Schizophrenia-associated Genes in Cortical Development and Function
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
3. Role of Immune and Schizophrenia-associated Genes in Cortical Development and Function
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
- Overview: This area focuses on the role of SCZ-associated genes (SCHEMA genes, for example) in the development and function of the cerebral cortex. The lab aims to understand how these genes affect brain development and lead to diseases.
- Approaches: The lab uses advanced techniques such as RNAscope HiPlex v2 assay, Slide-seqV2, and high-resolution spatial transcriptomic analyses to study the effects of early life stressors on prefrontal cortex function and to build an atlas of SCZ genes and cell types in the developing brain.
4. Development of New Imaging Technologies
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
These research areas reflect the lab's comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions between immune molecules, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuits in both normal and pathological conditions.
*** Currently seeking a graduate student or postdoc to work on this five-year project. ***
- Overview: The lab collaborates with researchers to develop advanced imaging technologies, such as fast multi-Z confocal imaging, to study large ensembles of neurons in the mouse cerebral cortex.
- Goals: To use these imaging systems to understand how dysfunction in neuroimmune genes alters neuronal network function in vivo, facilitating new insights into brain diseases and potential therapies.
These research areas reflect the lab's comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions between immune molecules, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuits in both normal and pathological conditions.