We are a group of passionate and diverse scientists, with an intense research investigation on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the behavior of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, which are the myelin-forming cells of the CNS and the main constituents of the brain white matter.
Myelinating glial function is fundamental for brain health and its impairment is detected in a growing number of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Studying the basic mechanisms regulating the progression of progenitors into myelinating oligodendrocytes in the developing and adult brain therefore has substantial implications for a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating proper brain function, while informing on potential causes for dysfunction, and providing the framework for the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
We are a neurobiology lab, working on concept of epigenetic regulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation. Throughout the years, we identified DNA and histone changes important for developmental myelination and in adult remyelination, identified the responsible enzymes and defined their functional significance using transgenic mice, characterized them in the context of neuropathology and evaluated translational implications. We also reported impaired epigenetic regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation in aging, in animal models of depression and in post-mortem Multiple Sclerosis human brains. We collaborated with chemical engineers to develop compounds with the ability to reverse some of the epigenetic changes. We made unanticipated discoveries on the cross-talk between gut metabolites, social experiences, mechanical stimuli and myelination.
For more information:
Casaccia Lab Site | [email protected]
Advanced Science Research Center
Neuroscience Initiative
85 St Nicholas Terrace
New York, NY 10031