Enikolopov Lab
Investigating neural stem cells, circuits, and signaling pathways
We study neural stem cells and the signaling landscape of their local environment. Our recent work investigates the neural circuitry underlying social conflict behavior. Our research is also focused on stem cells in non-neural tissues, with a particular focus on the tissues and organs that are involved in complex physiological circuits and behavioral responses.
We study how neural stem cells are maintained, divide, and differentiate, using animal models and visualization techniques. Our work revealed a "single-use" model for these cells in the adult hippocampus, where they differentiate into astrocytes after limited divisions, contributing to decreased neuron production and age-related cognitive decline.
We develop transgenic reporter lines to track and isolate stem cells, leading to discoveries in various tissues. Our lines have become widely used tools, aiding in the identification of stem cell species like neural, mesenchymal, liver oval, ovarian, skin, and hair follicle stem cells. Currently, we are investigating new tissue-specific stem cells and their interactions.
Our research focuses on nitric oxide's diverse biological functions, including its roles in organism development, tissue differentiation, and stem cell regulation. We discovered NO's essential role in these processes, including its involvement in calcium signaling, neuronal differentiation, brain development, and adult neurogenesis. Currently, we are studying NO's novel function in motile cilia development, with implications for treating ciliopathies.
We have developed advanced methods for visualizing and quantifying cell division, elimination, and migration in the mouse brain. These techniques include 2D, 3D, and 4D visualization and quantification tools, as well as computational algorithms for automatic cell detection and counting. We use these methods to study changes in progenitor division and migration in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
We study social hierarchy in animal groups using a mouse model of conflict behavior. We focus on neural circuits underlying aggressive behavior acquisition, escalation, and reversal, collaborating to map brain networks involved in establishing, maintaining, and reversing social hierarchy.