Cell Biology News

Cell Biology welcomes Sulagna Das, PhD, who will join the department in January 2024 as an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and Human Genetics. Dr. Das was previously a Research Assistant Professor in Cell Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY. Her new lab, located on 4th floor WBRB, will investigate the dynamics and regulation of RNAs in neuronal health and diseases using high-resolution imaging technologies.

The Das lab will work at the interface of RNA biology and neuroscience with the overarching goal to investigate the spatio-temporal control of RNAs during synapse development and plasticity and the dysregulation in neurological diseases. Neurons are highly polarized cells that can extend processes far from the cell body and therefore face the unique challenge of delivering proteins on demand to distal synapses. RNA localization to the right place and at the right time empowers the neuron to regulate protein synthesis with extraordinary precision and is critical for synaptic functions. Dysregulation of mRNA localization and local translation has been associated with many neurodevelopmental and neurological diseases. The lab seeks to understand how mRNAs are regulated in space and time, and the mechanisms that govern “local” gene expression changes in the brain in response to neuronal activity. Their approach is to visualize the life cycle of mRNAs in neurons at single-molecule resolution and in real time by utilizing state-of-the-art imaging technologies, RNA tagging methods, and knock-in mouse models. By taking a high-resolution dive into RNA biology and neuroscience, the Das lab aims to uncover novel spatial and temporal insights into gene expression regulation in neuronal health and diseases.

Gary Bassell, PhD, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Cell Biology and Department Chair, was elected president of the Association of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology Chairs (AACBNC).

The Association of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Chairpersons (AACBNC) is an organization of chairs, interim chairs, or permanent substitutes appointed by the Chair of departments of anatomy, cell biology and neurobiology, or equivalent organizational units, in schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and osteopathic medicine or in universities granting Ph.D. degrees in these disciplines in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada shall be eligible for membership.

Kenneth Myers, PhD, Assistant Professor, received a Whitehall Foundation grant, “Coordinating Synaptic Actin and Translational Control”. The Whitehall Foundation supports early career investigators studying basic research in neurobiology, with the goal of better understanding brain mechanisms of behavior.

This three-year grant will allow the Myers lab to investigate how the LASP family proteins coordinate actin cytoskeletal remodeling during synaptic plasticity. This work is expected to identify new regulatory mechanisms underlying the control of synaptic strength and neural circuit dynamics in the brain.

Douglas Falls, MD, Associate Professor Emeritus, was selected for 2023 Educator Appreciation Day. Dr. Falls played a central role in orchestrating the Foundations of Medicine curriculum. His efforts as Foundations of Medicine curricular coordinator were highly regarded by students, faculty, and administrators. Dr. Falls is a very successful and creative course director and teacher. 

Arthur English, PhD, and Criss Hartzell, PhD were selected by the Emory University School of Medicine for the 2023 Researcher Appreciation Day recognitions.