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

"The Role of Norepinephrine Signaling in Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Maturation During Perinatal Development"

Preterm birth can disrupt normal brain development and lead to long-term neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and cognitive deficits. Many of these outcomes stem from impaired development of white matter, which supports communication between brain regions. Joie’s project examines how norepinephrine, a key neurotransmitter, regulates the growth and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), the precursors to white matter-forming cells during early life. Using neonatal mouse models, Joie will use optogenetics to precisely control norepinephrine signaling and analyze brain tissue to assess white matter development. This research may help develop future therapies to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants.