Granato Lab

Rotation Projects - Spring/Summer/Fall 2019 - 2020

There are two research areas in which rotation projects are available:

1. Axonal regeneration.
   We have established a system in which to visualize in real time and in live, intact animals the process of axonal regeneration. Rotations in this area involve 1) the analysis of subcellular events (e.g. mitochondria dynamics) during axonal regeneration in wildtype (injured) but also in animals models for peripheral neuropathies; 2) the analysis of genes and genetic pathways critical for nerve regeneration.
   
   Rosenberg, A., Isaacman-Beck, J, Franzini-Armstrong, C, Granato, M. 2014: Schwann cells and DCC direct regenerating motor axons towards their original path. J. Neuroscience (44) 14668-81. pdf This work is featured in 'This week in the Journal'. 
   
   Rosenberg, A., Wolman, M, Franzini-Armstrong, C, Granato, M. In vivo macrophage-nerve interactions following peripheral nerve injury. 2012. J. Neuroscience (32), 4440-56. pdf and comment

   Isaacman-Beck, J., Schneider, V., Franzini-Armstrong, C, Granato, M. 2015: The lh3 glycosyltransferase directs target selective peripheral nerve regeneration. Neuron88, 1-13. pdf. UPENN Press Release! Highlight in Nature Review Neuroscience.
   
    

2. Simple Learning Behaviors 
   Rotations in this area involve behavioral testing of neuroactive drugs on their effects on learning/habituation. Rotatiosn projects also involve testing new optogenetic tools to visualize connectivity between identifed hindbrain neurons, and neural activity in these neurons.
   Techniques involved in this rotation include: high speed camera measurements, behavioral analysis using automated tracking software, drug applications, DNA extraction, imaging and molecular cloning techniques.

   Wolman, M.A., Jain, R.A., Marsden, K.C., Bell, H., Skinner, J., Hayer, K.E., Hogenesch, J.B., Granato, M. 2015: A genome-wide screen identifies PAPP-AA mediated IGFR signaling as a novel regulator of habituation learning. Neuron 85 1200-11.pdf. Preview by Ardiel and Rankin pdf. UPENN Press Release!
   
   Wolman, M.A., DeGroh, E., McBride, S.M., Jongens, T.A., Granato*, M., Epstein*, J.A. (*senior co-authors) 2014. Modulation of cAMP and Ras signaling pathways improve distinct behavioral deficits in a zebrafish model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Cell Reports 8, 2014. pdf.
   UPENN Press release 
   
   Wolman, M. A., Jain, R.A., Liss, L. & Granato, M. 2011. Chemical modulation of memory formation in larval zebrafish PNAS,  pdf.