معرفی
Elizabeth Zuniga-Sanchez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing synaptic specificity in the developing vertebrate nervous system, particularly using the mouse retina as a model system. She employs advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, and single-cell labeling to study neural circuit formation.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) from University of California, Berkeley (2004)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from University of Southern California (2012)
- Postdoctoral Training at University of California, Los Angeles (2019–present)
Research Interests:
Dr. Zuniga-Sanchez investigates how neuronal subtypes form precise synaptic connections during development. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and imaging to uncover principles of neural circuit assembly. Key themes include synaptic specificity, retinal development, and the role of proteins like ankyrins, neurofascin, and βII-spectrin in synaptic architecture.
Publications:
Her recent work highlights advancements in understanding retinal synapse formation, including studies on ankyrin proteins, βII-spectrin, and Wnt signaling. She also contributes to methodological innovations such as brainwide cell labeling techniques in mice.
Awards & Funding:
- K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2021–2022)
- ARVO Genentech Career Development Award
- NIH-NEI Grant #EY028200 (2020–2023)
- Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Grant #R01EY033037
Advising & Grants:
Dr. Zuniga-Sanchez leads a research group focused on ocular development and disease. Her grants support investigations into synaptic specificity mechanisms and retinal neuropil development. She collaborates on projects involving genetic tools like CRISPR and advanced imaging technologies.
Labs & Teams:
Her lab at Baylor College of Medicine studies neural circuit formation in the retina, bridging molecular genetics and systems neuroscience to address fundamental questions in developmental neurobiology.
