Neuronal Diversity in the Cochlea
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Sounds are detected by hair cells in the cochlea and encoded by the activity of a diverse population of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). We recently showed that there are three molecularly distinct populations of Type I SGNs, which are primarily responsible for the sense of hearing. We are studying the transcriptional networks that generate different types of SGNs and how individual transcription factors (TFs) contribute to SGN differentiation. Towards this end, we use Cre/lox and CRISPR/cas-9 approaches in the mouse to pinpoint how individual TFs affect neuronal diversity and differentiation. Additionally, we use single cell RNA-sequencing to characterize developing and mature SGN from wild-type and mutant backgrounds. We determine the consequences for mature circuit organization and function using viral, genetic, and histological labeling methods together with electrophysiology and behavior. We also have a keen interest in dissecting how SGN identities are determined and deployed at the molecular level by applying methods such as ATAC-seq and Cut and Run. |
Current Lab Members
Past Lab Members |
