2014 Undergraduate Summer Research Program Participant

Home Department: Biology
Supported by: Dean of Research
Mentor: Kang Shen, Biology and Pathology

Eric's research in Dr. Kang Shen's laboratory focuses on the characterization of a metalloprotease-mediated synapse formation pathway of the neuronal extracellular matrix. Making use of the C. elegans GON-1 pathway as a homologous model, he hopes to elucidate this developmental mechanism of the human nervous system as well as gain insight into related neurodevelopmental pathologies and potential factors necessary for the repair of damaged nerve tissue.

Poster presented at the Stanford Bio-X Interdisciplinary Initiatives Symposium on August 27, 2014:

Neuronal Extracellular Matrix Components Implicated in C. elegans Model of Novel Synapse Formation Pathway

Eric Lopez1, Peri Kurshan1, Kang Shen1
[Department of Biology1, Stanford University]