Research
We study how the brain is regulated and changed to allow the animal to adapt to and excel in the ever-changing world. Our focus is on two types of regulations — neuromodulation and experience-dependent plasticity — using rodents as the experimental model. We harness the advantages of both in vitro and in vivo experiments depending on the specific question using a variety of approaches, including advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, mouse genetics, CRISPR-based gene editing, and computation. Because novel technology enables us to ask long standing questions in new ways, we also actively adapt and develop the relevant technologies, such as endogenous protein labeling, biosensors for subcellular signaling pathways and microscopy.
We have openings for highly motivated students and postdocs who are interested in these directions. Please contact Haining Zhong directly at zhong@ohsu.edu for more information.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation impinges powerful control over brain function and mediates the switch between different biological states: fight/flight, sleep/awake, attention, reward, stress, locomotion, etc. Defective neuromodulation has been linked to many neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Parkinson’s disease.
Current projects
Dissect neuromodulatory function during animal behavior using advanced microscopy combined with novel genetically-encoded sensors we developed to monitor events downstream of neuromodulation
Expand development of microscopic techniques that allow faster imaging and which are easier to use and compatible with free-moving animal behaviors
Develop novel fluorescence sensors for imaging intracellular processes in response to diverse neurotransmitters
Experience-dependent plasticity
Experience-dependent plasticity of brain circuits underlies learning and memory.
Current projects
Generate genetically modified mice to visualize protein organization and dynamics in vivo as readout for neuronal properties, connectivity and plasticity
Explore how animal behaviors alter synaptic connectivity and strength
Using CRISPR-based intron insertion (CRISPIE) to visualize endogenous protein organization and dynamics
