Christina Meyer

Research Description

Christina’s research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying excitatory synaptic formation, development, and plasticity in the hippocampus. Aberrations to synapse and dendritic spine development, particularly within the hippocampus and cortex, has been linked to numerous neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurocognitive conditions. Christina’s specific project is to identify the role of post-synaptic adhesion G-protein coupled receptors (aGPCRs) in the overall process of synapse development. To understand the function of specific aGPCRs, she uses in vitro cell cultures and ex vivo brain tissue. Christina utilizes genetic tools to better elucidate the role of specific proteins in synapse development. She also uses high- and super-resolution imaging to describe the structure of synapses and assess how loss of specific proteins changes synapse and spine number and structure. Christina also uses immunohistochemistry to describe how protein expression changes over development and identify links between aGPCRs and synapse development as well as overall neuroanatomical development.