Brian Donal McCabe

ResearchMotor Neuroscience in Health and Disease Our research aspires towards the dual goals of understanding, with molecular and cellular resolution, the neuronal circuit networks and interconnecting synapses that comprise the motor system, and in tandem, to decipher and ameliorate neurodegenerative motor disorders. The vital necessity for precise motor control, the ability to image motor synapses in vivo together with expedient electrophysiological access, coupled with the stringency of locomotor behavioural quantitation, make motor circuits a potent system to allow molecular, cellular and physiological interrogation of the mechanisms through which synapses and circuits develop, adapt and coordinate to produce ensemble activity. Exploiting these advantages can also illuminate how neuronal circuits are depleted by ageing and neurodegenerative disorders including SMA, FTD and ALS (motor neuron disease). As the basis for our investigations, we exploit the advanced neurogenetic control enabled by the molecular and genome engineering capabilities of the Drosophila model organism. Drosophila share not only extensive genetic conservation with humans but also many morphological, physiological and behavioural similarities. Augmenting this foundation, we extend and validate our studies in rodents in addition to human samples. Teaching & PhD PhD Students Manuel Bradicic, Medha Raman, Md Al Amin Khan, Yesica Gloria, Rebecca Carolyn Smith, Olivier Cédric Ulrich, Margaret Rose Lane, Daniel Molinuevo Gomez Past EPFL PhD Students Samuel Sagar Bourgeat, Marine Van Campenhoudt Past EPFL PhD Students as codirector Emma Charlotta Källstig Courses IGEM BIO-510 An interdisciplinary EPFL student team will design and build genetic circuits with novel functionalities. Students learn to develop a project and carry it out to completion in a concrete manner. Their creativity and critical thinking are highly encouraged. IGEM lab BIO-511 An interdisciplinary EPFL student team will design and build genetic circuits with novel functionalities. Students learn to develop a project and carry it out to completion in a concrete manner. Their creativity and critical thinking are highly encouraged. Life Sciences engineering: genome to function BIO-411 Students will acquire fundamental knowledge regarding how genomes can be engineered, how their function can be deciphered, and how their dynamic outputs can be analyzed and modeled, exemplified with a focus on cell cycle progression and proliferation control. Awards Adler Endowed Professorship in Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain Columbia University Medical School 2014 Fred M. Garland Memorial Lecture and Award Texas A&M University Kingsville 2014 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Scholar Alfred P. Sloan Foundation 2007 NARSAD Young investigator award Brain & Behavior Research Foundation 2007