Aryana Cruz

The Paukert Lab is interested in the role of neuron-astroglia interaction in neuromodulation. Astroglia are recognized for their homeostatic support functions during neuronal activity, but much less is known about how astroglia modulate neuronal activity in a behavioral state-dependent manner. A particular focus of our work lies on understanding molecular events and behavioral context leading to astroglia Ca2+ dynamics in awake mice, consequences for neuronal signaling and alterations of these signals in transgenic mouse models of neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral disease. We are pursuing these goals combining behavioral manipulations, such as employing a motorized treadmill to monitor and control the state of arousal, with two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology to observe activity of ensembles of neurons and astroglia with cellular resolution.

Hobbies and Interests:
Knitting, drawing and reading