By Daniel Dunaief
Gabrielle Pouchelon doesnt need to answer the age-old debate about heredity vs. environment. When it comes to the development of the brain, shes studying the response both to sensory cues and genetics.
An Assistant Professor who joined Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in March of 2022, Pouchelon studies the interplay between sensory and neuromodulatory inputs and genetic programs in circuit maturation. She also studies other neuromodulatory inputs, usually associated with states of adulthood, which could control development.
A combination of genetics and environment shapes the way neurons connect in a healthy brain. In people who develop non-neurotypical behaviors, through autism, schizophrenia or other conditions, the development of neurological connections and architecture is likely different.
Researchers have associated genes of susceptibility with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Scientists believe environmental cues provide the brain with activity that interact with these genetic components.
We are trying to understand whether we can [intervene] earlier that can have different outcomes at later times, said Pouchelon. We are studying ways to intervene with these transient processes and examine whether dysfunctions associated with the disorders are improved.
During critical periods of development, the brain has a high level of plasticity, where various inputs can alter neurons and their connections. This not only involves building connections, but sometimes breaking them down and rebuilding other ones. As people age, that plasticity decreases, which is why children learn faster than adults in areas such as the acquisition and development of language skills.
While the timing of critical periods is less well-defined in humans and language is a complex function, the ability to learn new languages at a young age reflects the high plasticity of the brain.
Scientists are studying language processes, which are specific to humans, with functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Pouchelon, who isnt studying language skills, hopes that understanding the architecture of developing brains and how they respond to sensory and neuromodulatory cues could shed light on the studies performed in humans. Since behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical treatments can help children with autism, she believes understanding how external cues affect genetic elements could uncover drug targets to alleviate symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders at an early age.
Neurons & the environment
In her lab, which currently includes three researchers but she expects to double within a month, Pouchelon uses sophisticated tools to target not only the effect of the environment, but also to look at the specific neurons that transmit information.
She is trying to understand at a very precise level what a sensory input means and what are the neurons that integrate that sensory input.
Sam Liebman, who became a technician in Pouchelons lab two years ago after graduating from the University of Vermont, appreciates the work theyre doing and her mentorship.
The lab is unique and special because he has that close relationship in what is now a smaller lab with Pouchelon, Liebman said.
Growing up in Huntington, Liebman, who hopes to go to graduate school in the fall of 2025, came to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for field trips in middle school and high school.
I idolized this place and this campus, said Liebman.
Pouchelon has asked for Liebmans opinion on potential candidates to join the lab, even summer interns.
Fragile X Syndrome
Most of the work Pouchelon conducts is done on animal models. She is mainly studying animals with a mutation linked to Fragile X Syndrome.
In Fragile X Syndrome, which can affect boys and girls, children can have developmental delays, learning disabilities and social and behavioral problems. Boys, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typically have some degree of intellectual disability, while girls can have normal intelligence or some degree of intellectual disability.
Other models for autism exist, such as genetic mutations in the gene Shank3. We are trying to utilize these models to apply what we understand of development in brains that are healthy and compare them to the mutated models, Pouchelon explained.
While clinical trials are exploring receptors as drug targets for Fragile X Syndrome, she hopes to find new ones that are selective in early stages of the disease to modify their use depending on the stages of development.
An annoying nerd
Born and raised in Paris, France to a family that showed considerably more artistic talent than she, Pouchelon struggled with games she and her sisters played when they listened to music on the radio and they had to guess the composer.
I was the one always losing, said Pouchelon. Her family, including her two older sisters who currently live in France, knew way more about art and history than I did. I was the nerd scientist.
When she was young, she was curious and asked a lot of annoying questions because she was interested in the mystery of everything. In high school, she became interested in the brain.
Pouchelon, who isnt actively searching for French food but finds the baguettes at the Duck Island Bakery exceptional, lives on the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory campus with her husband Djeckby DJ Joseph, a naturalized American citizen originally from Haiti who works in law enforcement at the VA Hospital in Manhattan, and their two-year old son Theo.
Eager to ensure her son benefits from a multicultural identity, Pouchelon speaks to Theo in French. He also attends on campus day care, where he learns English.
As for the decision to come to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Pouchelon, who conducted her PhD research at the University of Geneva in Switzerland and completed her postdoctoral research at New York University and at Harvard Medical School, is thrilled to discuss her work with the talented and collegial staff at the lab.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which is known internationally for meetings and courses, is an exciting place where scientists conduct cutting edge research.
Go here to see the original:
CSHLs Gabrielle Pouchelon studies effects of sensory cues, genetics on brain development - TBR News Media
- Episode 174: Rudy Tanzi talks about genetics, aging and the hallmarks of Alzheimers - IHMC - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Ocuphire and Opus Genetics merge to develop IRD gene therapy - Pharmaceutical Technology - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- The RD Fund Announces Ocuphire Pharma's Acquisition of Opus Genetics - PR Newswire - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- The RD Fund Announces Ocuphire Pharma's Acquisition of Opus Genetics - WV News - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Faculty of Science | Protecting Canadas number one crop through genetics - UM Today - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Ocuphire and Opus Genetics merge to develop IRD gene therapy - Yahoo Finance - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Opinion | Fascinated by genetics? Where are the peas Trump made to fornicate? - The Washington Post - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Dietary restriction can extend lifespan but genetics matters more - Nature.com - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 'They have much stronger players' - Bangladesh assistant coach bizarrely blames 'genetics' for lack of six hitters in the team - Sporting News - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Medical Moment: Genetics and breast cancer with USA Health Genetic Counselor Cassie Gurganus - AOL - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Five Research Collaborations to Study the Use of MRD Testing in Breast Cancer - Yahoo Finance - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- An ideologically-based and misleading critique of how modern genetics is taught - Why Evolution Is True - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 Review: Bold But Beholden to Its Genetics - Newsweek - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Third Patent Granted for Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) with Early Priority Date - GlobeNewswire - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- Digbi Health Launches an SEC-regulated Offering, Giving Millions the Opportunity to Invest in Groundbreaking Genetics and Gut Microbiome-based Care... - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- The role of genetics in depression | Second Opinion - KCRW - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Tilapia genetics company Spring Genetics teams up with UK data firm to improve fish welfare - SeafoodSource - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Picky eating in kids is mostly due to genetics, study says - Motherly Inc. - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Research Shows That Fussy Eating In Children Is Mainly Influenced By Genetics - RTTNews - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Genetics colloquium: Chris Hittinger on the genomic making of metabolic niche breadth Sep. 11 - University of WisconsinMadison - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- NIH Recognizes Yales Expertise in the Genetics of Rare Diseases - Yale School of Medicine - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Collaborate to Further Expand Global Access to Liquid Biopsy Testing - PR Newswire - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- Medicines race dilemma: What science says about genetics and health [PODCAST] - Kevin MD - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- Researchers want to unlock genetics of the worlds tiniest animals - Popular Science - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- Sophia Genetics and AstraZeneca collaborate to expand liquid biopsy test rollout - Medical Device Network - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]
- From farm to future: Technology in genetics - National Hog Farmer - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Editorial: Plant biotechnology and genetics for sustainable agriculture and global food security - Frontiers - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- NSF Grant Brings Genetics Opportunities to Students in Alabama - Government Technology - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- SBUs Ben Luft brings Lyme expertise to seminal paper on bacterial genetics and evolution - TBR News Media - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- SOPHiA GENETICS to Present at the 22nd Annual Morgan Stanley Healthcare Conference and 9th Annual TD Cowen FutureHealth Conference - PR Newswire - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Singapores National Precision Medicine (NPM) Programme Engages Oxford Nanopore to Advance Understanding of the Genetics of Singapores Multi-Ethnic... - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Fulgent Genetics Second Quarter 2024 Earnings: Beats Expectations - Yahoo Finance - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Stopped clinical trials give evidence for the value of genetics - Nature.com - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- What is DSD? Sex genetics and Olympic boxing controversy - Washington Examiner - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Fulgent Genetics Q2: Core Revenue Grows, but Profitability Is Still an Issue - The Motley Fool - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Viewpoint: Challenging yet another scientifically silly article claiming Black domination of sprinting and long distance running has nothing to do... - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Texas Company Trying To Resurrect Woolly Mammoths To Improve Genetics Of Bison - Cowboy State Daily - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Genetics confirms Berbers reached North Africa over 20,000 years ago; Arabs came in 7th Century CE - Down To Earth Magazine - August 5th, 2024 [August 5th, 2024]
- Unlocking plant genetics with telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies - Nature.com - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Carlo Ancelotti claims Jude Bellingham's 'genetics' are main reason behind Real Madrid & England superstar's meteoric rise to the top - Goal.com - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Genetics-based modeling estimates Idaho's wolf population was 1,150 in summer 2023 - Idaho Fish and Game - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Lung Cancer Research Foundation Joins Lung Cancer Advocacy Organizations and 23andMe to Launch Lung Cancer Genetics Study to Advance Research - PR... - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Fulgent Genetics (FLGT) Scheduled to Post Earnings on Friday - Defense World - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- SOPHIA GENETICS Announces Expanded Relationship with Canada-Based OncoHelix - Financial Times - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- LG Household & Health Care publishes research into the genetics of skin tone - GlobalCosmeticsNews - July 26th, 2024 [July 26th, 2024]
- Estonians gave their DNA to science now they're learning their genetic secrets - Nature.com - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Genetic clues to depression revealed in large study - PsyPost - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Move Over, Genghis Khan. Many Other Men Left Huge Genetic Legacies - Smithsonian Magazine - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- 3X4 Genetics Selected as Partner for Preeminent Cancer Research and Treatment Nonprofit, The Metabolic Terrain ... - BioSpace - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- NIFA Invests $6M in Animal Breeding, Genetics and Genomics | NIFA - National Institute of Food and Agriculture - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Arbel Harpak: Pursuing the Next Frontier in Genetics | Dell Medical School - Dell Medical School - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Coffee habits are partly linked to genetics, UC San Diego researchers say - NBC San Diego - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Advanced genetic tools help researchers ID new neurodevelopmental syndrome - Yale News - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Nutritious diet may protect against type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetics - News-Medical.Net - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Genome-wide association study identifies host genetic variants influencing oral microbiota diversity and metabolic ... - Nature.com - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Unlock the Secrets of Your DNA with Advanced Genetic Testing - North Forty News - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Modern and precise: Using gene editing to change the blueprint of an organism - Beef Magazine - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- The 'gene deserts' unravelling the mysteries of disease - BBC.com - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- UGA plant geneticists are tackling the climate crisis - Longview News-Journal - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Genetic Tests for Predicting Clopidogrel Response Gain Traction: AHA - TCTMD - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- Bringing Gene Therapy to the Brain - The Scientist - June 27th, 2024 [June 27th, 2024]
- The importance of the paradise fish in evolutionary and behavioral genetics research - Phys.org - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- What Is Fulgent Genetics, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:FLGT) Share Price Doing? - Yahoo Finance - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- UW initiative aims to bring together social sciences and genetics - Wisbusiness.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Women have a higher genetic risk for PTSD, according to study by VCU and Swedish researchers - VCU News - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Genetics study points to potential treatments for restless leg syndrome - University of Cambridge news - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- deCODE genetics: The rate, nature and transmission of mitochondrial DNA mutations in humans - PR Newswire - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Genetic association mapping leveraging Gaussian processes | Journal of Human Genetics - Nature.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Minimally destructive hDNA extraction method for retrospective genetics of pinned historical Lepidoptera specimens ... - Nature.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Restless legs syndrome tied to 140 'hotspots' in the genome - Livescience.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Paired tumor-germline testing can enhance patient carewith guidance from genetics specialists - The Cancer Letter - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Improved functional mapping of complex trait heritability with GSA-MiXeR implicates biologically specific gene sets - Nature.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Genetic Risk Score Revolutionizes TNBC Prediction in Black Women - Targeted Oncology - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Gene variants and breast cancer risk in Black women - National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- GSA-MiXeR: A powerful tool to improve our understanding of heritable traits and diseases - News-Medical.Net - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Understanding the effect genetics have on Alzheimer's - Buffalo News - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- 'Fossil viruses' embedded in the human genome linked to psychiatric disorders - Livescience.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Profile: Ardoin's genetics provided gift for writing, and his versatility made him legendary - crescentcitysports.com - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Genes Link Sleep Patterns to Autism and Bipolar Disorder - Neuroscience News - June 9th, 2024 [June 9th, 2024]
- Tilapia genetics: a comparative trial between two strains in Brazil - The Fish Site - June 1st, 2024 [June 1st, 2024]