The lab currently has two projects: The first is to study neuregulin-1 and its receptor ErbB4, both candidate genes of schizophrenia. Our recent results suggest that neuregulin-1 regulates neurotransmission at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. A combination of genetic, molecular, electrophysiological and behavioral approaches is used to investigate whether neuregulin-1/ErbB4 signaling regulates brain activity and behavior and, if so, how. Results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of schizophrenia and other disorders, including epilepsy and autism. The other project is to study synapse formation using the neuromuscular junction, a peripheral synapse, as a model. We are interested in pathways to which motor nerves and muscle fibers direct pre- and post-synaptic differentiation. Results of this project contribute a better understanding of muscular dystrophy and ALS.