John Vessey

Dr. John Vessey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment, particularly the role of asymmetric RNA localization and translational control in neural stem cells and neurons. He holds a B.Sc. in Neuroscience from Dalhousie University, an M.Sc. in Physiology and Biophysics also from Dalhousie, and a Ph.D. from Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.

Research Interests:
John’s work bridges cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience. Key topics include:

• Regulation of RNA localization in neural stem cells
• Role of translational control in neuronal development
• Mechanisms of synaptic plasticity via localized mRNAs
• Conservation of RNA localization across species

His lab investigates proteins like Smaug2, Staufen2, and Pumilio2 in mammalian neurogenesis.

Publications reflect a focus on RNA regulation in neural development, with contributions to Cell Stem Cell, Journal of Neuroscience, and Current Biology. Articles often explore how RNA localization impacts stem cell fate decisions and neuronal morphology.

He currently leads a research team at SSC 3403-04, actively mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in experimental neuroscience. His work emphasizes translational control’s role in brain development and disease, with potential implications for neurodegenerative conditions.