2016 Scientific Innovations Award
Thomas Biederer, Ph.D.
Department of Neuroscience
Tufts University
Dr. Biederer’s work focuses on how nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other through cellular connections called synapses. Synapses are formed and remodeled in the maturing and adult brain to rewire circuits. Synaptic aberrations are linked to autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. This proposal aims to map the underlying disease-linked synaptic changes and investigate novel interventions. Our approach will be based on animal models of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, using genetically modified mice that harbor mutations in genes that cause these disorders in humans. These mouse models replicate core features of these brain diseases. First, we will develop methods to visualize for the first time the synaptic connections that are used during cognitive processes. We will employ this method to map connectivity changes in models of autism and schizophrenia. Second, we will introduce specific genes to intervene in the mature brain and increase the formation of connections. We will test whether this intervention helps the brain to re-wire itself and improves behavioral functions in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. We expect this research to help us better understand synaptic wiring during cognition and to determine how we can use the body’s own ability to organize connectivity to restore deficits in brain disorders.
