Principal Investigator
Available Rotations
Mechanisms of Plasticity in the Visual System
During a late developmental period closure of one eye (monocular deprivation) results in plasticity of visual cortical neurons such that responses to visual stimulation of the closed eye are diminished. We have recently characterized structural changes at synapses that occur during monocular deprivation and are currently studying the mechanisms of synaptic structural and functional plasticity. We are particularly interested in the role that microglia play in this process. A rotation in the lab would expose students to rodent surgeries, in vivo and in vitro imaging, electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry.
Brain Activity and Breast Tumor Metastasis to the Brain
Many breast cancer patients develop neurological side effects such as depression, chemobrain
, or epilepsy. To manage these side effects, many neurological agents are currently prescribed to breast cancer patients either prophylactically or in response to symptoms without a clear understanding of how these may affect metastasis. We are currently examining how these neurological agents alter breast tumor metastasis to the brain in a mouse model and whether brain activity plays a role in affecting tumor penetration into the brain and subsequent growth. A rotation in the lab would expose students to rodent surgeries, cell culture, histology and immunocytochemistry.
For specific questions, please contact Prof. Majewska.
