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Translation of a potential therapy for cognitive deficits of Down syndrome. We showed recently that a single injection of a potential drug on the day of birth could normalize cerebellar morphology and partially correct hippocampal function through adulthood in a mouse model of Down syndrome (Das et al., Science Transl. Med. 5:44-53, 2013). We are working to translate this finding into clinical treatment by identifying the basis for these effects in genetic models, understanding the genetic basis for sonic hedgehog response deficit in specific developmental cell populations, and optimizing treatment approaches (dose and delivery). Desired skills include at least a subset of the following (we’ll teach you the rest): understanding of genetics, development (especially CNS), use of mouse models, cell signaling emphasizing the hedgehog pathways, neuronal function. Molecular biology, microscopy, biochemistry, cell biology.