Lab
Tim Czopka Lab
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Statement of Research Interest
My lab aims to understand the biology oligodendrocytes and their roles in the brain.
About 5% of all brain cells are undifferentiated oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Unlike most other progenitors, OPCs don't reside within niches, but instead tile the brain throughout life. It is well established that OPCs are the cellular source for new myelin during long-term development, plastic adaptations, and CNS regeneration. However, there are many more oligodendrocyte precursors than ever differentiate, and which constantly communicate with surrounding neurons and other CNS cells. How this cell population can be triggered to produce new myelin, and how the non-myelinating oligoendrocytes affect nervous system function, remains unclear.
To address this, we use zebrafish as model organism and a wide range of complementary methods including high-resolution optical microscopy of live cell reporters, optophysiology and biomolecular sensor imaging, cellular genetic manipulations, and behavioural analysis.
About 5% of all brain cells are undifferentiated oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Unlike most other progenitors, OPCs don't reside within niches, but instead tile the brain throughout life. It is well established that OPCs are the cellular source for new myelin during long-term development, plastic adaptations, and CNS regeneration. However, there are many more oligodendrocyte precursors than ever differentiate, and which constantly communicate with surrounding neurons and other CNS cells. How this cell population can be triggered to produce new myelin, and how the non-myelinating oligoendrocytes affect nervous system function, remains unclear.
To address this, we use zebrafish as model organism and a wide range of complementary methods including high-resolution optical microscopy of live cell reporters, optophysiology and biomolecular sensor imaging, cellular genetic manipulations, and behavioural analysis.
Lab Members