Laboratory for Neuromuscular Physiology
Research in the Wei-LaPierre lab focus on finding out the mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets for neuromuscular-related conditions, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Down Syndrome.
The lab is particularly interested in the contribution of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscles and motor neurons in the occurrence of these conditions. The lab employs a wide range of techniques, including confocal microscopy, Ca2+ fluorometry and electrophysiology to examine the Ca2+ cycling properties and ROS production within muscle cells and evaluate muscle and neuromuscular junction function in intact muscles and live animals.
The long-term goal of the lab is to provide strong pre-clinical evidence to develop new therapeutic interventions for neuromuscular-related conditions.
Principal Investigator: Lan Wei-LaPierre, Ph.D.
Research Highlights
- Excitation-contraction coupling and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in skeletal muscle
- Mitochondrial Ca2+ and redox biology
- Neuromuscular junction biology
- Using genetic mouse models to identify new therapeutic targets