James Zheng, PhD

We use both cultured primary rodent neurons and fruit flies to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic disruption and brain dysfunction in neurodegenerative conditions. In cultured neurons, we specifically investigate defects in axonal transport and postsynaptic structure and function. We have also developed a Drosophila model to investigate sex differences and aging effects in late-life emergence of neurodegeneration after mild head trauma.