09/18/2024
A groundbreaking study by FAU researchers using a tiny roundworm, links the worm gene swip-10 to copper regulation, which could pave the way for new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Elucidating Molecular Circuits Supporting Neuronal Signaling and Health
Optical sectioning of a whole mouse brain via the Blaze Light Sheet Ultramicroscope demonstrates c-fos labeling at increasing magnification moving from A to D where individual activated cells are readily detected.
c-fos labelling showing neuronal activation on a whole mouse brain. After immunolabelling and tissue clearing, brain was scanned on the Blaze Light Sheet Ultramicroscope. Credits: Lorena Areal, Paula Kurdziel and Jana Strickler.
Research in the Blakely laboratory is focused on how presynaptic plasma membrane transporter proteins support chemical signaling in the nervous system, how they mediate the entry of transmitter-like neurotoxins into neurons, and whether altered signaling in disease states is supported by genetic variations in transporter structure. Over the past decade, we have been actively involved in the molecular cloning of transporter genes, including the identification of transporters for norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, proline, creatine, and choline. Using modern techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging, and genetics, we apply a multi-disciplinary approach to understand how transporters are organized in the plasma membrane, how they recognize their substrates, how they are regulated, and whether defects in their activity, trafficking, or regulation contribute to altered behavior and physiology.
NEWS
08/26/2024
Florida Atlantic University has been ranked No. 41 overall among the nation's best public and private universities by Washington Monthly.
08/12/2024
With the help of a tiny, transparent worm, FAU researchers have identified novel players in dopamine signaling by taking advantage of a powerful platform generated via the Million Mutation Project (MMP).
Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D.
Executive Director
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
David J.S. Nicholson Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience,
Professor, Dept Biomedical Science
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Click here for Dr. Blakely’s Curriculum Vitae.
Click here for Dr. Blakely's professional biography.
Updated 6/2024
