Kai Zinn, Ph.D.

Research

Our group studies the molecular mechanisms of axon guidance and synaptogenesis. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is our primary experimental system. In the embryo, we examine signaling systems involved in motor and CNS axon guidance. In the larva, we study synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the neuromuscular system. Our approaches combine genetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and cell biology.