Paul J Mathews
Assistant Professor
Neurology
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute
United States of America
Biography
Dr. Mathews’ research focuses on understanding the role of the cerebellum in learning and memory. Using a multifaceted approach, which includes mouse genetics, behavioral measurements, optogenetics and in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, his lab is identifying where changes in the neural circuitry of the cerebellum take place during learning. Additionally, Dr. Mathews’ research group is interested in understanding how genetic forms of cerebellar related diseases, like Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), lead to a wide host of debilitating symptoms including the loss of motor coordination (ataxia). Symptoms of A-T usually begin in early childhood (before age 5) and ultimately result in premature death around the age of ~25. By studying how the cerebellar circuit operates in A-T and in health, Dr. Mathews’ lab hopes to develop and test therapeutics to treat this awful disease.
Research Interest
Understanding the role of the cerebellum in learning and memory
Publications
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(2012) Effects of climbing fiber driven inhibition on Purkinje neuron spiking. J. Neurosci
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(2012) How do climbing fibers teach? Front. Neural Circuits.
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(2015)Circuit mechanisms underlying motor memory formation in the cerebellum. Neuron,
