Research

Spontaneous neuronal activity occurs in developing sensory systems, before external inputs can reach the sensory organs. We have previously shown that there is coordinated activity between astrocytes and neurons in these processes. Research in the Kellner lab will study how the earlier coordination between the cell types is important for circuitry development and function.

Neuron-astrocyte interactions during development were mediated by mGluR5 and mGluR3 on astrocytes. Both receptors have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The Kellner lab will study what roles astrocytes play in the generation of these disorders and in the sensory symptoms associated with them.

It is still unknown how astrocytes and inhibitory neurons interact in vivo in the developing brain. The Kellner lab will study the interactions between these two cells types and how they reciprocally affect their maturation.