Dr. Jiami Guo
Positions
Assistant Professor
Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy
Full Member
Hotchkiss Brain Institute
Child Health & Wellness Researcher
Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
Contact information
Background
Educational Background
B.S. , Jilin University, 2006
Doctor of Philosophy , Kent State University, 2012
Research
Areas of Research
The main goal of my research is to identify fundamental principles governing the construction of neural circuits in development and disease. Towards this goal, I am currently focused on the dynamic function of the primary cilium, a tiny signaling antenna of a cell. Primary cilia are present virtually on all cell types and are essential for coordinating major cell functions in response to environmental signals. The critical role of primary cilia in brain development is evident in human disease states called ciliopathies, where defective cilia lead to brain malformations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disabilities. I use a combination of mouse-genetics, innovative cilia-specific signaling modulation, and viral-genetic circuit mapping to delineate the essential role of primary cilia in the emergence of neuronal morphology and connectivity, key steps in neural circuit formation. By assembling a holistic view of how primary cilia translate environmental signals to impact neural development, we aim not only to uncover hitherto undefined cell biological mechanisms fundamental for neural circuit construction and malformation, but also to advance our understandings of how genetics and environment interact to contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| CMMB 507 LAB 01 B01 | Advanced Topics in CMMB | 2021 |
Projects
The main goal of my research is to identify fundamental principles governing the construction of neural circuits in development and disease. Towards this goal, I am currently focused on the dynamic function of the primary cilium, a tiny signaling antenna of a cell. Primary cilia are present virtually on all cell types and are essential for coordinating major cell functions in response to environmental signals. The critical role of primary cilia in brain development is evident in human disease states called ciliopathies, where defective cilia lead to brain malformations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disabilities. I use a combination of mouse-genetics, innovative cilia-specific signaling modulation, and viral-genetic circuit mapping to delineate the essential role of primary cilia in the emergence of neuronal morphology and connectivity, key steps in neural circuit formation. By assembling a holistic view of how primary cilia translate environmental signals to impact neural development, we aim not only to uncover hitherto undefined cell biological mechanisms fundamental for neural circuit construction and malformation, but also to advance our understandings of how genetics and environment interact to contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Awards
- New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Neuroscience Investigator, New York Stem Cell Foundation. 2021
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