Techniques
Multiomic profiling
The brain is composed of thousands of cell types, each of which arise from genetic programing to establish cell type. Distinct cell types respond to stimuli encountered in the environment in convergent and divergent ways. The Tuscher lab uses single-nucleus sequencing approaches to examine transcriptional heterogeneity at baseline and in response to distinct environmental stimuli.
CRISPR gene and epigenetic editing
Our lab uses cutting-edge CRISPR-based approaches to target and bidirectionally regulate individual genes or complex gene programs in the rodent brain and in cell culture model systems. We use this flexible platform to probe the function of individual gene targets and examine interactions between specific epigenetic editors and regulatory sites of interest across the genome.
In vitro cell culture systems
Cell culture models serve as a robust and easily controllable platform for investigating the effects of different stimuli on neural cell morphology, physiology, and function. We use rodent and human-derived cell culture model systems to better understand how distinct neurotransmitter systems orchestrate transcriptional and chromatin alterations in neurons and glia. These systems also enable exploration of causal relationships between specific genes and cell function using CRISPR technologies.
Behavioral assays
To better understand the neurobiological basis of memory persistence, our lab employs a variety of tasks to link cellular and molecular level changes to behavioral outcomes.
