Understanding the contribution of neurons and astrocytes to the neuronal circuitry underlying brain functions
Areas of Research
01
Neuromodulation
Developing experimental tools to manipulate neuron and astrocyte activity with high spatial and temporal resolution
02
Magnetogenetics
Developing tools that use noninvasive magnetic fields to activate ion channels enabling the control of cell activity
03
Synaptic Transmission
Developing tools to independently control pre and postsynaptic activity
04
Astrocytes function as integrative processors in the brain.
Investigating the role of intracellular calcium signaling in astrocytes as the mechanism for integrating and transmitting information within the brain
05
Role of Astrocytes in Behavior
Investigating the contribution of astrocytes to brain functions, such as behavior
06
Astrocytes as Cargo Cells to Treat Brain Diseases
Bioengineering astrocytes as therapeutic cellular agents to treat brain diseases
Publications
Selected publications
- Electrophysiological Mechanisms and Validation of Ferritin-Based Magnetogenetics for Remote Control of Neurons. Journal of Neuroscience (2024)
- Evaluating methods and protocols of ferritin-based magnetogenetics. Iscience (2021)
- Lipid oxidation induced by RF waves and mediated by ferritin iron causes activation of ferritin-tagged ion channels. Cell Reports (2020)
- Temperature-activated ion channels in neural crest cells confer maternal fever–associated birth defects. Science Signaling (2017)
Research Funded Projects
Current Position
Research Scientist
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University of California, Berkeley
Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Li Ka Shing Center, 1951 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA