Home Department: Undeclared
Mentor: Michelle Monje (Pediatric Neurology)

"Role of Neuroligin3 in Myelin Health and Function"

Myelin plasticity is essential for learning, motor, and cognitive functions, yet how oligodendroglial cells detect and respond to neuronal activity to regulate myelin plasticity remains incompletely understood. The synaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin3 is a key player for neural circuit function, and Neuroligin3 mutations are associated with autism indicating its importance for brain health. Deletion of Neuroligin3 from oligodendroglial precursors reduces their proliferation and impairs motor learning associated with oligodendrogenesis. This project aims to determine how Neuroligin3 mediates neuron to oligodendroglia signaling, and regulates myelin plasticity and neural circuit function, ultimately, bringing a new perspective to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.