Arij D
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Chicago
Expertise
Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Mathematics, Computer Programming, Dynamical Systems Analysis, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Physiology, Python, Matlab, Java
Bio
I work at the intersection of neuroscience, mathematics, computer science and statistics. I am originally a computer scientist who turned to be a mathematician/statistician and then switched gears to be an experimental and computational neuroscientist, working primarily out of Chicago. Previously as a graduate student at Florida State University, then a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Chicago and finally an Assistant Professor at AUB, I spend half of my time performing experimental neuroscience techniques (see specialties below), and the other half building statistical tools, mathematical models, and computer software aimed at solving the biological problems and questions with the data I collect from neurons in particular regions of brain slices or alive behaving animals (see specialties below). The purpose of my work is to learn from the vast streams of data collected (enabled by today's technologies) thereby advancing the frontiers of human knowledge, improving our quality of life and unveiling the underpinnings of the human brain. My lab is interested in researching learning and memory, and the ways in which non-synaptic forms of plasticity (termed as intrinsic plasticity) can encode our memories. Neuroscience Skills: Whole-cell Electrophysiology (in vitro and in vivo), Pharmacological Manipulations (in vitro and in vivo), Intracellular Staining and Histology, Electrical Brain Lesioning, Neural Tracer Injections, Confocal Imaging Microscopy, Mathematical Neuroscience, etc … Data Science Skills: Dynamical System Design and Analysis, Ordinary & Partial Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Algorithms, Data Mining, Database Schema Design and Optimization, Graph Analysis and Algorithms, Neural Networks, Statistical Learning and Inference, Probabilistic Modeling, Problem Solving, Data Visualization, Machine Learning Programming Skills: Expert in JAVA (12+ years of experience), Matlab, XPPAUT and SQL. Strong experience with Python, R and C#. Fluid understanding of C, C++, PERL and Javascript. Excellent OOP and GUI skills. Excellent experience with database management systems.Project ideas
Altered Intrinsic Properties of Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD), though classically defined by its motor symptoms, is increasingly recognized for its profound cognitive deficits, which often arise early and substantially impact patients’ quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that the hippocampus, particularly its pyramidal neuron populations, may play a critical role in the non-motor manifestations of PD. However, the biophysical underpinnings of hippocampal dysfunction in PD remain largely unexplored at the single-cell level. This study investigated the intrinsic properties (IPs) of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the MitoPark mouse model of PD using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and comprehensive spike feature analysis. Compared to healthy controls, PD neurons exhibited significantly higher spike frequencies, shortened first spike delays, elevated and more variable spike thresholds, and pronounced reductions in action potential (AP) peak, amplitude, and width. In addition, afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude was markedly increased, while its time to peak was shortened, indicating a shift toward deeper but briefer post-spike hyperpolarization. Joint feature analysis revealed that these neurons not only shift in the means of individual properties, but also occupy an altered region of multidimensional parameter space, characterized by changed variability and the breakdown of normal physiological correlations. These electrophysiological alterations are consistent with dysregulation of sodium and potassium channel function, which may underlie the enhanced excitability and impaired firing precision observed in PD neurons. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into the cellular basis of cognitive deficits in PD, and suggest that ion channel dysfunction represents a promising therapeutic target for early intervention.
Biology of Parkinson’s Disease : Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology
Parkinson's disease is a multisystem neurodegenerative and progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. In this project, I explore the molecular, cellular and network pathways that are connected to the neurology and neuroscience of Parkinson’s disease, cover a wide range of subjects and unravel the complex relationships between genetics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, neurobiology, imaging, assessments, and treatment regimens. Initially, I will cover foundational topics and then goes relatively in depth in covering the classical and cutting-edge research on the mechanisms that have been discovered to play a role in Parkinson's pathology.
Research Techniques in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is, by definition, a multidisciplinary field: some scientists study genes and proteins at the molecular level while others study neural circuitry using electrophysiology and high-resolution optics. A single topic, such as the auditory system, can be studied using techniques from genetics, imaging, biochemistry, or electrophysiology. Therefore, it can be daunting for young investigators or anyone new to neuroscience to learn how to read the primary literature and understand the various techniques. In this project I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of classical and cutting-edge methods in neuroscience techniques that are essential to the field. It will first cover foundational topics and then goes relatively in depth in the techniques and methods used in neuroscience, including their utility, limitations, and how data are presented in the literature.