Douglas Roossien
Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Roossien uses many cutting edge genetic and molecular technologies such as genome editing, expansion microscopy and tissue clearing, transgenics and viral vector production to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of neuron circuitry.
Education
Michigan State University
Prior Employment
University of Michigan
Research
Serotonin neurons regulate many behavioral functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition. Abnormalities in the morphology of these neurons have recently been implicated as contributing factors in behavioral disorders, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying these abnormalities are unclear. The powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila allow us to manipulate cellular and molecular function of these specific neurons during development. Together with a variety of emerging techniques such as Brainbow circuit analysis (see image below), Expansion Microscopy, and live-cell imaging, we seek to take an exciting new look at the developing nervous system in the hope of understanding how abnormalities in the serotonin system arise.
For more information and a list of publications, please visit our lab website.