David D. Ginty, Ph.D.

Research Program Award (R35)
Photo of David Ginty, Ph.D. FY17 Research Program Award (R35) recipient
Institution
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Awarded Project
Elucidating cutaneous mechanosensory circuits, from development to disease

The first step leading to touch perception is activation of sensory neurons in the skin called low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Dr. Ginty uses genetic tools in mouse models to investigate the development and function of different types of LTMRs and how they organize into neural circuits in the spinal cord and brainstem. His research will also assess abnormalities in these circuits in animal models of autism and neuropathic pain.