Catherine Czeisler

My laboratory researches the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate brain function during physiological and pathological conditions. Astrocytes outnumber neurons in the brain. Nevertheless, our classic understanding of neural circuits focuses on the neuronal component to these networks. New insights into the mechanistic underpinnings regulating synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, inflammation, learning and axonal degeneration have shown a significant astrocytic contribution thus challenging this neuronal-centric view to circuit function. My specific areas of research are understanding the role of reactive astrocytes in neuroinflammation and the developmental role of astrocytes in forming autonomic neural circuits.