Julia Dallman

• Balancing Neuronal Excitation and Inhibition for Functional Behaviors
• Glial glycine transporter (GlyT1) mutant
• Modeling Human Hyperekplexia
• Sensitivity to Anesthetics

Determining the mechanisms by which genes influence behavior is the central goal of my research program.

Areas of Focus: Development and Neuroscience

Our research uses zebrafish to better understand how changes in genes affect behavior.

My research focuses on the genetic basis of swimming by studying zebrafish motility mutants that are useful models for human genetic diseases of nerve and muscle function. The mutant, shocked has a mutated glial glycine transporter; larvae fail to escape when touched when young, but recover a normal escape response as they mature. We hope to understand these mechanisms of glycine receptor down-regulation as they are relevant in people as well.