Irvine, CA 92697-1280
Tel: (949) 824-4562
Fax: (949) 824-1105
dkodowd@uci.edu
115 Irvine Hall
Tel: (949) 824-8141
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RESEARCH INTEREST: Sypnatic plasticity; Excitability
In our lab we study the activity of living neurons from the brains of both flies and mice. Using molecular genetic approaches we are exploring the role of specific genes in regulating functional plasticity of neural circuits. We are also examining how environmental factors such as exposure to specific drugs, including nicotine, can influence information transfer between neurons. A basic understanding of the genes and environmental factors that influence information processing between small groups of neurons is key to development of drugs and gene therapies aimed at restoring normal activity in the human brain that has been damaged by injury, disease, or exposure to drugs of abuse. These studies will also provide important clues as to the factors that might enhance normal cognitive function both during development and in the mature human brain.