Matthew Rasband, Ph.D.

The Rasband laboratory is working to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for assembly and maintenance of electrogenic compartments of axons in normal health, and during disease or injury. Whereas electrical signaling in myelinated axons requires ion channel clustering at axon initial segments (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier, and a robust axonal cytoskeleton, the molecular mechanisms regulating the functional organization of axons remain poorly understood. For this project, Dr. Rasband will use discovery proteomics and rigorous analysis of strategically designed genetic mouse models to uncover these mechanisms, which may reveal targets and mechanisms that can be used for therapies to repair or preserve axon function.>