Jordan Brown
University of Alabama
David Sweatt and Danny Winder labs
I am currently researching the effects of epigenetic mechanisms on synaptic plasticity and how this contributes to learning and memory. Specifically, I am researching the effects of DNA methylation on neuronal intrinsic excitability, a form of non-synaptic plasticity. Our hypothesis is that DNA methylation alters neuronal intrinsic excitability through altered gene expression of calcium gated potassium channels. Determining the role of DNA methylation in this process would provide insight into the basic mechanisms underlying neuronal excitability as well as learning and memory.