Thomas Schwarz, Ph.D.

Dr. Schwarz's research seeks to understand how nerve cells work, acquire their shape, and make their connections. For this project, he seeks to understand the role of kinetochore proteins in the formation of synaptic terminals, dendrites, and dendritic spines. This project leverages the opportunities of both Drosophila genetics and mammalian primary cultures to elucidate the mechanism by which these proteins function in neurodevelopment. Kinetochore proteins have never previously been implicated in any process other than cell division and the research, therefore, has the potential to expand our understanding of what shapes neuronal connections.