Overview

Overview

movie

The Granato lab combines the optical clarity of zebrafish with live cell imaging and molecular/reverse genetic tools to tackle two fundamental questions in Neuroscience:

  1. What are the molecular programs that enable axonal regeneration in the PNS and the CNS, molecularly how different are from each other and from well-studied signaling pathways that regulate axonal wiring during development? 
  2. What are the molecular and circuit level mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia relevant behaviors such as decision making, learning and social interactions?

These questions address fundamental question in neuroscience, and have significant relevance for human health. To get at this questions we use a variety of state of the art approaches, ranging from RNASeq, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and small molecule screens to whole brain activity imaging and live, laser mediate axon transections and live cell imaging at the single cell level to capture axon glia interactions. 


If you are interested in studying the cellular programs that drive axon regeneration, including axon glia interactions, modifications to the cellular environment that facilitates regeneration, or the genes that control the formation and maintenance of neural circuits regulating learning, decision making, and other Autism and Schizophrenia relevant behaviors using zebrafish as a powerful in vivo model system, we have many exciting projects that use cutting edge imaging and molecular techniques waiting for creative and fun loving minds to join the lab. We currently have openings/funding for new team members at the Research Specialist, predoctoral (through UPENN grad student programs), and postdoctoral level. For more info or just to chat about opportunities, ongoing research projects, or the lab's vision to maintain a fun and creative lab, contact Michael at granatom@upenn.edu 

The Granato Lab is part of the Austism Spectrum Program of Excellence