Neurobiology
Many themes of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) are woven into the department’s research contributions in neurobiology. Faculty in BMB study the molecular processes that underlie the development of the nervous system, as well as how these processes can go awry due to genetic variations or infectious diseases. Faculty research in neurobiology reaches from human clinical studies to model organisms and cell-based studies, using methods that include molecular, genetic, biochemical, and computational methods to advance neurobiology research at Penn State.
Dr. Lüscher's Research Interest: Molecular and cellular
mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders as well
as mechanisms of antidepressant drug therapies.
Dr. Rolls' Research Interest: The Rolls lab aims to understand
how neurons generate axons and dendrites with different
microtubule organization, and how neurons respond to injury.
Current projects focus on mechanisms that control microtubule
polarity and dynamics and mechanisms that promote neuronal
regeneration.
Dr. Selleck's Research Interest: Nervous system development
and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Szpara's Research Interest: Understanding the consequences
of HSV latency for the neurons that harbor the HSV pathogen
and the search for improved therapeutics using a combination
of virology, neurobiology, next generation sequencing
technologies, and bioinformatics.
