Summary
Research interests
The fundamental question driving my research is how cells get the right protein to the right place at the right time, and how this process goes wrong in disease. This is particularly challenging for neurons that have processes that can extend far distances from the cell body, but must properly maintain precisely organized electrical membranes composed of ion channels and neurotransmitter release machinery.
We are currently studying protein trafficking and subcellular localization in the context of cardiac sympathetic neurons. These post-ganglionic autonomic neurons provide the “fight-or-flight” stimulus responsible for increasing heart rate, for example during exercise or in response to a startling stimulus. In many cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and hypertension, these neurons are pathologically overactive and contribute to the progression of disease. In particular, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms within these neurons that cause excessive release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides during pathogenic hyperactivity. We use high-resolution, live-cell microscopy techniques to visualize the long-distance axonal trafficking of vesicles containing neuropeptide Y (NPY), and are investigating how the trafficking, capture into synaptic varicosities, and synaptic release of NPY are altered in disease states. High levels of NPY may be a biomarker for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death due to the development of arrythmias, and modulation of NPY signaling is showing promise as a therapeutic strategy. Thus, increased understanding of how and why cardiac sympathetic neurons release increased levels of NPY in disease can allow us to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Education
- Siena College, Albany, NY, BS, 2008
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, PhD, 2015
Biography
- Postdoctoral Training, Yale University School of Medicine, 2016-2020
- Postdoctoral Training, Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, 2020-2022
- Research Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, 2022-Pres