Troy Ghashghaei

Biography

I have a broad background in the field of neuroscience, with specific training and more recently independent expertise in developmental neurobiology. My graduate work at Boston University was focused on mapping prefrontal cortical circuits that allow this critical brain structure to communicate with emotional centers of the brain. I followed my Ph.D thesis with a very productive postdoctoral experience at UNC-Chapel Hill, with the first report of the role of Neuregulins and their tyrosine kinase receptors on adult neurogenesis and neuronal migration in the postnatal brain, and subsequent reports on related findings in high-impact journals. I established my own laboratory at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, where I have laid the groundwork for currently ongoing research in my laboratory. This required development of critical tools and research methods to assess the role of genes in development and function of neural stem cells. My laboratory has obtained a number of grants in support of our research efforts and my students and postdoctoral fellows have all obtained excellent positions following completion of their work here at NC State. The focus of our current research is on embryonic and postnatal epithelial lining of the brain and how it contributes to development in the embryo and homeostasis during adulthood and aging. AFFILIATIONS: Society for Neuroscience American Society for Cell Biology International Society for Stem Cell Research

Research Interest

BIOLOGICAL BARRIERS, GENETICS, NEUROBIOLOGY, REGENERATIVE MEDICINE:- Projects in our laboratory are focused on developmental neurobiology: 1. Development and aging of the adult stem cells and their ependymal niche in the forebrain. We use mouse genetics in combination with molecular, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to address fundamental questions regarding the functional significance of ependymal cells during development and aging. 2. Role of cell cycle regulators in symmetric and asymmetric divisions of neural stem cells in the developing and postnatal brain. We use mouse genetics, biochemical assays, and state-of-the-art imaging tools to understand mechanisms that regulate the decision of neural stem cells to divide symmetrically or asymmetrical in the embryonic and postnatal stem cell niches.