About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The human brain is composed of billions of neurons which communicate with each other through electrical and chemical connections. The basis of learning and memory is thought to arise from long term changes in the strengths of these connections, called synapses, a process known as synaptic plasticity. Since the discovery of synaptic plasticity much work has gone into elucidating the molecular mechanisms that allow for changes in synaptic strength, and in particular how these mechanisms go awry in neurological disease.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of common developmental neurological disorders that affect ~ 1 in 88 individuals. Shared symptoms include difficulty in socializing and communication as well as repetitive behaviors. Using mouse models of ASD researchers have uncovered abnormalities in the ways neurons communicate with each other that likely underlie the pathology of ASD.

Our laboratories use mouse models of ASD to investigate how neuronal activity is altered in the disease. We believe that changes in the ability of neurons to undergo synaptic plasticity may result in the cognitive symptoms observed in ASD patients. We record neuronal activity from acute slices of mouse hippocampus, a brain region known to be important in learning and memory. We also visualize changes in the structure of ASD synapses using light microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques. Through an understanding of the molecular neuropathophysiology of ASD we hope to design treatments that can be used to ameliorate the symptoms of ASD patients and restore proper cognitive function.

What is the significance of this project?

The prevalence of ASD has risen dramatically in the past decade. While many resources have been put towards the task of understanding these common disorders there is still much work to be done. Ongoing clinical trials for drugs designed to treat ASD are promising however, these drugs will only be effective for certain types of ASD. We believe that basic scientific research is required to instruct future clinical therapies.

I am a MD/PhD student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the laboratories of Dr. Pablo Castillo and Dr. Bryen Jordan. Our laboratories are well equipped to conduct basic research into the neuropathology of mouse models of ASD. My mentors Dr. Castillo and Dr. Jordan have long track records of scientific excellence in the field of neuroscience. Our publication record can be viewed at the research repository of the National Institutes of Health (www.pubmed.gov: Klein ME; Castillo PE; Jordan BA)

What are the goals of the project?

I am currently funded by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). My research is also supported by grants awarded to my mentors Dr. Castillo and Dr. Jordan. Unfortunately, the recent sequestration will likely result in across the board cuts to existing and future NIH grants. Because of this I am exploring alternative funding opportunities including putting my project on Microryza. The funds pledged here will be used to purchase research supplies including pharmacological reagents for use in examining neuronal activity and antibodies for immunohistochemistry. A portion of the funds will also be used to pay open access fees to ensure that this research will be made publicly available.