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.

Morphine uses the iron transporter DMT1 to move endolysosomal iron into the cytoplasm of cortical neurons, which later upregulates the iron storage protein ferritin heavy chain. Our previous work reported excess ferritin heavy chain is associated with lower dendritic spine density in prefrontal cortex neurons and cognitive deficits in an animal model of neuroHIV.

Research/Laboratory Assistant

Job Overview: The research assistant will be involved in ongoing NIH-funded projects in the field of neuroHIV and neuroprotection, and additional collaborative studies in oncology. The successful candidate will have expertise in both cellular/molecular biology techniques and small animal in vivo models. They are also expected to facilitate teamwork and ensure proper function of the laboratory. Highly experienced candidates can be considered for a lab manager role.

Qualifications: Post-Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and some previous hands-on research experience.

Applicants at different levels of expertise will be considered, though the ideal candidate would have technical skills in one or more of the following areas: traditional and modern techniques of cellular and molecular biology (preferably neurobiology), histology, microscopy and cellular imaging, and/or small animal models for the study of CNS disorders. Some previous experience in the fields of cell biology and HIV neuropathology, human brain tissue analysis, or familiarity with primary neuronal cultures, is preferred – along with self-motivation, commitment to success and innovation, and exceptional organization skills.

Essential Functions: Performs standard laboratory procedures. Assists with and/or independently conducts experiments. Analyzes and reports experimental data. Complies with lab safety and regulatory protocols. Tracks and orders supplies. Organizes supplies, materials, and equipment, and sets up equipment for use. Additional tasks include: help with literature search, preparation of material for presentations, technical training of new students, maintenance/update of lab protocols, participation to lab meetings.

Supplemental Position Information: This is full-time research assistant position available immediately, for a minimum of 1 year. The successful candidate can eventually transition to a senior position (i.e. senior lab technician/lab manager), and is encouraged to become a stable, integral part of the laboratory.

Please contact Dr. Olimpia Meucci (om29@drexel.edu), if interested in this opening.

Chunta participated in our trainee elevator talks competition at this year’s department retreat and received a first place award for his talk! Well done, Chunta!