Fox Lab
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Home ItemMichael Fox, Ph.D. , home
Professor, Director, School of Neuroscience, and I.D. Wilson Chair, College of Science
Led by principal investigator Michael Fox, Ph.D., the Fox Laboratory is interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive two aspects of synapse formation—synaptic targeting and synaptic differentiation.
Researchers in the Fox Laboratory focus on the visual system in their efforts to uncover mechanisms that drive the initial targeting of synapses. The scientists are interested in understanding how synapses are formed between retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output neurons of the retina, and target neurons within the brain. Despite monumental advances in this field, it remains unclear how different classes of RGCs —of which there are more than 22— target functionally distinct nuclei within the brain. One brain region where class-specific targeting of RGC axons is most evident is the LGN —a thalamic relay nucleus that contains three structurally and functionally distinct subnuclei. Since different classes of RGCs target these subnuclei, the researchers hypothesized that regionalized guidance cues must exist to direct class-specific axonal targeting. Fox and his team have now identified candidate molecules that may act as targeting cues for class-specific retinal targeting and are now testing their necessity in retinogeniculate circuit formation.
Once synaptic partners have correctly targeted each other, both sides of the synapse must exchange developmentally relevant signals that transform this immature connection into a functioning synapse (a process called synaptic differentiation). Fox is specifically interested in identifying such trans-synaptic organizing cues in the mammalian brain. Fox is particularly interested in the role of extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors in this process. Previous studies from the Fox Laboratory identified roles for these classes of molecules in coordinating synaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction—a large peripheral synapse between motoneurons and muscle fibers. Based upon the bio-activities of these extracellular cues at the neuromuscular junction, the researchers are now asking whether similar cues are necessary and sufficient to induce the formation of brain synapses.
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Bio ItemAlexandria Pilot Chambers, DHSc , bio
Assistant Director of Operations, Center for Neurobiology Research
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Bio ItemKatelyn Stebbins , bio
Medical Student, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine '24
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Bio ItemJianmin Su, Ph.D. , bio
Research Assistant Professor
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Article Item
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Article ItemGraduate student recognized for relentless curiosity and service , article Date: Jul 28, 2022
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Article ItemVTCRI summer undergraduate neuroscience research federally funded for five more years , article
A summer pilot program for undergraduate neuroscience research at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute proved so successful that National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, of the National Institutes of Health, has provided $500,000 of funding for another five years.
Date: Jan 04, 2018 -
Article ItemGraduate student recognized with professional development award by Society for Neuroscience , article
The award promotes the advancement of career training for neuroscientists and includes registration for the recipient to attend the society’s annual meeting.
Date: Nov 29, 2017 -
Article ItemResearch at VTCRI reveals biological mechanism of a leading cause of childhood blindness , article
The discovery in a rodent model may provide insight into what happens in the visual systems of children born with a condition that prevents the optic nerve from fully developing. The condition is also associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Date: Nov 15, 2017 -
Article ItemEminent scholar in developmental neuroscience joins Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute , article
Albert Pan moved his laboratory this summer to join VTCRI. He also serves as the Commonwealth Center for Innovative Technology Eminent Research Scholar in Developmental Neuroscience.
Date: Oct 17, 2017 -
Article ItemUndergraduates will spend summer learning what it means to be biomedical research scientists in and out of the lab , article
SURF students in both programs will complete independent research projects, with guidance provided by VTCRI faculty mentors, to be presented at the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Research Symposia on July 27.
Date: Jun 13, 2017 -
Article ItemLeading scientists to gather in Roanoke for Central Virginia Society for Neuroscience symposium , article
The challenges and opportunities of neuroscience will come into focus Sunday and Monday as researchers from universities across Virginia and special guests from elsewhere in the U.S. converge at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute for the annual symposium.
Date: Mar 23, 2017 -
Article ItemVirginia Tech Carilion Research Institute to host Brain Awareness Week , article
Scientists will reveal more about what they have learned about the brain’s developmental journey when the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute opens its doors for its fifth annual Brain School during Brain Awareness Week from March 13-19.
Date: Feb 15, 2017
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