Cellular signaling is a central focus of research in the Department of Cell Biology. Signal transduction through cell surface receptors, ion channels, and associated proteins exerts both short- and long-term effects across diverse cell types, ultimately shaping fundamental cellular functions. Our research integrates a wide range of experimental systems, from unicellular models to complex multicellular organisms, along with advanced methodologies. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to investigate how cells sense and respond to their environment, how signaling pathways regulate organ development and maintain homeostasis, and how disruptions in these processes contribute to the onset and progression of disease.
Investigates the roles of very long chain fatty acids in neuronal signaling and function and retinal diseases.
Studies neuronal oxytocin receptor and glutamate receptor signaling using patch-clamp electrophysiology, fiber photometry, BRET and FRET assays, and biochemical methods.
The Conley lab is interested in how growth factor signaling contributes to cellular plasticity in the context of cerebrovascular dysfunction in brain aging.
Studies GPCRs and G protein signaling, as well as lncRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory networks in ovarian cancer, using transcriptomic, epitranscriptomic, and systems-level approaches.
Studies neural signaling mechanisms in the hypothalamus that control cardiometabolic homeostasis using mouse genetics, optogenetics/chemogenetics, in vivo brain imaging, electrophysiology, and physiological and behavioral phenotyping.
Investigates the signaling pathways governing photoreceptor health and degeneration using mouse genetics, electrophysiology, and transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches.
Develops new biosensors and imaging-based tools for visualizing signaling activity at the cellular and sub-cellular scales.
Investigates changes in chromatin modifications and gene expression in response to extracellular cues in different types of cancers and during development.
Investigates the signaling function of the genes involved in polycystic kidney disease using mouse genetics, calcium imaging, electro-physiology, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based assays.
Studies how the nervous system senses and integrates external and internal cues to maintain body fluid and micronutrient balance across molecular, cellular, circuit, and whole-animal scales. His lab combines genetics, GPCR activity assays, optogenetics, chemogenetics, live-cell functional imaging, whole-brain calcium imaging, and behavioral assays.
Department of Cell Biology
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