Gerardo Morfini, Ph.D.

Sections

Gerardo Morfini, Ph.D.
Gerardo Morfini
Title
Assistant Research Professor
Department
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Institution
University of Illinois at Chicago
Address
808 S. Wood Street
MC 512, Rm CME 661
City, State, ZIP
Chicago, IL 60612
Country
United States
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.uic.edu/depts/mcan/morfini.htm
Research field
Neuroscience
Award year
1998
Country of origin
Argentina
Mentor name
Scott T. Brady, Ph.D.

Research

The mission of our laboratory is to elucidate molecular mechanisms for the regulation of intracellular trafficking in neurons. Toward this end, we use a variety of experimental approaches including microscopic, biochemical, and cell biological assays.Kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein (CDyn) are the major microtubule (MT)-based molecular motors responsible for the execution of fast axonal transport (FAT) mechanisms. Current research in our laboratory addresses basic questions on the regulatory mechanisms of kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein-based motilities. Our major research projects currently include 1) Effects of kinase-related signaling pathways on axonal function in health and disease 2) Identification and characterization of physiologically relevant kinases affecting microtubule-based motor function. 3) Elucidating the molecular basis of kinase activation by mutant pathogenic proteins.

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