THE HALPAIN LAB

Welcome to the Halpain Lab web page at The University of California San Diego.   Our laboratory investigates the molecular basis for neuronal growth, plasticity, and degeneration. We focus on cytoskeletal proteins of dendrites and dendritic spines, which are the postsynaptic elements of neurons.   The dendrites and dendritic spines of nerve cells are often damaged in conditions like stroke, epilepsy, AIDS dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.   In addition, emerging evidence implicates abnormal growth of dendrites and spines in mental retardation.   Our lab uses a variety of techniques, including molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and light microscopy to uncover basic principals of neuronal structure and function.   Our studies explore the role of transmembrane signals in regulating cytoskeletal proteins in neurons.   There are two main projects in the lab.

Shelley Halpain, Ph.D.
Professor, Division of Biological Sciences
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive #0368
La Jolla, CA 92037-0368
Fax: (858) 822-7792
e-mail: shalpain@ucsd.edu

All rights reserved. ©2009 Shelley Halpain.