Our research is focused on molecular and supramolecular structures that facilitate communication between neurons at the chemical synapse and how such structures are perturbed in neurological disease. We are particularly interested in the architectural arrangement of signaling molecules and enzymes, and characterizing the ways in which such molecular assemblies are formed and undergo changes during synaptic transmission and modulation. Our approach is to investigate individual proteins using cryoEM methods and to combine this information with cryoET reconstructions of the intact chemical synapse. Our long-term goal is to construct a dynamic molecular and architectural map for the chemical synapse that will help to understand synaptic formation, transmission and plasticity
MCDB 1234 - Skills Center: Modular Laboratory of Modern Molecular Biology Skills
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Dedicated to teaching students fundamental laboratory skills in modern molecular biology. The skills are updated on a rolling basis in consultation with MCDB faculty and local Pharma/Biotech companies in an effort to provide students with real world skills that can help them transition from a traditional lab course environment to a more independent research environment. Credit hours are determined according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education guidelines such that 12.5 module hours equals one university credit hour. Students can mix and match various skills to receive one or more university credit hours and students who successfully complete a module are given a certificate recognizing their competency.
MCDB 2200 - Introduction to Biophysical Methods: From Brains to Bonds
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Provides a practical overview of modern biophysical methods used to study biological systems from whole body imaging methods to methods for investigating single molecules and molecular bonds. The goal of this course is to provide a broad survey of methods available to the modern biologist rather than a complete in-depth treatment of the physics and mathematics of each individual method.
MCDB 3456 - Skills Center: Modular Laboratory of Advanced Modern Molecular Biology Skills
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Dedicated to teaching students fundamental laboratory skills in modern molecular biology. The skills are updated on a rolling basis in consultation with MCDB faculty and local Pharma/Biotech companies in an effort to provide students with real world skills that can help them transition from a traditional lab course environment to a more independent research environment. Students can mix and match various skills to receive one or more university credit hours and students who successfully complete a module are given a certificate recognizing their competency. Skills can be viewed at https://skillscenter.colorado.edu/ Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 1150 or MCDB 1111 or EBIO 1220. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 3651 - The Brain: Dysfunction to Disease
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Misregulation of synaptic function results in abnormal brain function and behavior that is manifested in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. Explores the molecular mechanisms responsible for altered synaptic plasticity in neurological diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3650 or NRSC 2100 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required.
MCDB 4567 - Skills Center Linked Lab Research Project
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
This course is a Skills Center Linked Lab independent project. Students who have sucessfully completed linked lab ( https://skillscenter.colorado.edu/labs.html) skills through MCDB 1234/3456 are eligible to take MCDB 4567. Student work with a linked lab advisor and the Skills Center proctors to develop a research project and the student completes the project in the Skills Center or in the Linked Lab and learn research skills such as interpreting data and planning and executing experiments, data interpretation, statistical analysis and presentation. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
