Research Agenda
Before you know, you must imagine.
– Richard Axel
We deploy a variety of methods borrowed from statistical physics, computational geometry, topology, and information theory, to quantify, model, and simulate neuron-glial interactions. We exploit computational glioscience to study mechanisms underpinning Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders more in general.
Neurodegeneration
We look into mechanisms of excitotoxicity during pre-clinical stages of Alzheimer's disease. Our current focus is on molecular mechanisms for glutamate clearance by perisynaptic astrocytes, with emphasis on transporters' trafficking.
Neuron-glial networks
We develop theory and models of neuron-glial networks. In particular we focus on neuron-glial mechanisms of modulation of synchronous vs. asynchronous cortical activity.
Calcium signaling
We study the complex biochemical signaling network underpinning glial calcium signaling. We ask how this signaling could be deployed to encode/decode sensory stimulation.
Neural Transmission and Plasticity
We consider glial mechanisms for regulation of synaptic transmission. We develop models that translate these mechanisms into useful learning rules.