Alexander Schier, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
16 Divinity Ave, Rm 1029
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: 617-496-4835
Fax: 617-495-9300
Email: schier@fas.harvard.edu
Visit my lab page here.
Our research focuses on two areas in neurobiology: 1) sensory neuron development and function - how does an organism sense potentially harmful stimuli? 2) sleep and wakefulness - what are the genes and circuits that regulate sleep? We mainly use zebrafish as a model system, because genetic and imaging approaches can be combined to study complex behaviors and developmental processes.
Sensory neuron development and function
Animals protect themselves by sensing potentially harmful thermal, mechanical or chemical stimuli. This process of nociception is mediated by specific sensory receptors and circuits. We analyze the development and function of trigeminal sensory neurons, the primary nociceptors in the vertebrate head. Our studies revealed that chemokine signals assemble trigeminal sensory neurons into a nerve center (ganglion) and that mutual repulsion limits the size of sensory arbors. These results provide a model for how sensory neurons assemble and generate complex innervation patterns. We are now studying which molecules mediate these interactions. In addition, we have begun to use in vivo imaging approaches and serial EM reconstruction to determine how different stimuli are encoded in the trigeminal ganglion and hindbrain.
Sleep and wakefulness
The genetic and cellular mechanisms that control sleep and wake states remain largely elusive. We have established zebrafish as a model system for sleep research. Zebrafish have the basic hallmarks of sleep-like behaviors. Sleeping fish require stronger stimuli than awake fish to initiate movement and sleep deprivation is followed by increased sleep. In addition, the zebrafish brain expresses peptides that have been implicated in human sleep disorders. We are using genetic and pharmacological screens to isolate sleep regulators and use electrophysiological and imaging approaches to dissect sleep circuits.
For a complete listing of publications click here.