The lab recently published new research in the Journal of Neuroscience detailing how the chemokine CXCL12 modulates dendritic spine dynamics on cortical neurons using modern live imaging and fluorescent labeling approaches. The group found CXCL12 helps neurons form new dendritic spines, stabilize existing spines, and enhance spines’ expression of synaptic scaffold proteins and channels. These outcomes also influence structured neuronal activity in multi-electrode array cultures, highlighting their functional relevance. Interestingly, CXCL12 achieved these outcomes using inhibitory neurons as an intermediate, which typically lack dendritic spines compared to excitatory cortical neurons.

First author Dr. Chunta Ho’s outstanding microscopy was also honored by the journal, which selected his image of a dual-transduced neuron as the journal cover!

The manuscript is open access and available to read here.

Congratulations to Chunta Ho, PhD for successfully defending his doctoral thesis! Chunta’s work greatly improved our understanding of how the homeostatic chemokine CXCL12 regulates cortical dendritic spines. His work enhanced the technical capacity of the lab with new live-imaging techniques for dendritic spines and the post-synaptic density protein PSD-95, which allowed for real-time imaging in vitro and in vivo during pharmacological treatments. He also found evidence that CXCL12 regulates dendritic spine clustering, a form of functional plasticity based on anatomical groups of spines, in collaboration with a bioinformatics faculty member. Chunta’s work opens the door to new cutting-edge studies on how CXCL12 regulates structural network properties, and how these translate to neuronal network activity over time, which may help uncover new therapeutic targets for neurologic disorders.

The Meucci lab has open positions for a senior scientist and postdoctoral researcher.

Ideal applicants will have extensive experience in neurobiology, neuroimmune pharmacology, and translational neuroscience, allowing them to contribute to the overall mission of the lab with creativity and passion. Both positions will be involved in ongoing NIH-funded projects in the field of neuroHIV, neuroprotection, and drug abuse, which require expertise in both cellular/molecular neurobiology techniques and small animal in vivo models. Experienced candidates are expected to facilitate teamwork, participate in the training of graduate students, and ultimately enhance the research potential of the whole group. Experience in multi-electrode array electrophysiology is highly valued for these positions.

Qualifications:

PhD (or MD/PhD) or equivalent doctoral degree is required.

At least 3 years experience in a neurobiology or translational neuroscience setting.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Time management and organization skills.

Highest work ethic standards.

Candidates should have extensive experience in traditional and modern techniques of cellular and molecular neurobiology, histology, microscopy/cellular imaging, and use of small animal models to study CNS disorders. Ideal candidates will have experience in techniques including multi-electrode arrays, electrophysiology, and/or in vivo imaging. Candidates will be able to closely follow and implement the many emerging technical innovations in the field of neuroscience. Previous experience in the field of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders is a plus, along with familiarity with primary neuronal cultures and brain tissue processing, self-motivation, commitment to success and innovation, and exceptional organization and communication skills.  Opportunities for career advancement are available.

Contact: Please see the job postings for senior scientist and postdoctoral researcher to apply, and feel free to contact Dr. Olimpia Meucci (om29@drexel.edu) for additional information.

Dr. Elena Irollo and colleagues from the Meucci lab recently published a new study on how morphine uses the iron transporter divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) to control iron metabolism in cortical neurons. The study also reports a new set of molecular tools to study DMT1 in a variety of cellular systems. This work continues a longstanding story on how morphine and mu-opioid agonists can impair cognitive function in people with HIV by dysregulating neuronal iron metabolism.

The study is open access and freely available at the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.