The Bloss Lab
Currently, I am working to integrate this technology with functional perturbations of specific neurons to understand how cortical circuit computations support flexible behaviors.
My overarching goal is to discover fundamental principles governing how the functions of neural circuits emerge from their structural organization. During my Ph.D. work with Dr. John Morrison I examined how aging affects the size, number, and plasticity of synaptic connections on cortical neurons. During my postdoc with Dr. Nelson Spruston, I used array tomography as a rigorous, versatile, multiscale, and quantitative technique to interrogate how cell types are connected within neural circuits. My work has demonstrated that genetically or anatomically defined neurons in the hippocampus form remarkably structured synaptic connections onto the dendrites of their postsynaptic targets. Using computational models of neurons, we demonstrated that the observed forms of connectivity enabled neurons to perform specific operations on their inputs that random patterns of connectivity could not. Currently, I am working to integrate this technology with functional perturbations of specific neurons to understand how cortical circuit computations support flexible behaviors. Work at The Jackson Laboratory will enable us to leverage our neuroanatomical strengths with powerful mouse genetic tools to identify the broader principles by which cognitive functions emerge from the underlying cortical circuitry.
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Research HighlightOctober 06, 2021Exploring the complex regulation of protein abundance
Using advanced mouse populations and newly developed research protocols for measuring proteins, JAX researchers are exploring how proteome is regulated, why it varies on individual genetics, and how consistent this is across different populations. -
Research HighlightSeptember 22, 2021JAX is tracking sub-genomic SARS-CoV-2 variation
Chia-Lin Wei looked at SARS-CoV-2 RNA genomes and sub-genomic viral RNA in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and found distinct, consistent differences between the patient groups. The findings have important implications for developing better COVID-19 risk mitigation and clinical strategies. -
Search MagazineSeptember 08, 2021Researching why and how we age
The Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence is empowering innovative approaches to aging research. -
Press ReleaseAugust 27, 2021Researchers look at genetic cause of cocaine addiction
A new grant is funding a study of genetically varied mouse populations in hopes of revealing what factors lead to compulsive cocaine intake.
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Press ReleaseSeptember 30, 2021Genomic Innovator Award to JAX's Ryan Tewhey
Special 5-year, $2.5M National Human Genome Research Institute grant funds “highly innovative work” by early-career scientists. -
Featured ArticleSeptember 21, 2021Hartford Business Journal honors Albert Cheng
Assistant Professor at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Albert Cheng, receives award from the Hartford Business Journal -
Search MagazineSeptember 08, 2021How can we win the battle against late-onset Alzheimer's disease?
The need to find an effective therapy or preventative treatment for Alzheimer's disease is growing. -
Research HighlightAugust 10, 2021New actinin research focuses on the heart
In a paper published in Cell Reports, a team including JAX assistant professor Travis Hinson, M.D, present a detailed portrait of one of actinin’s interprotein interactions and provide a compendium of proteins that could be the focus of further study.