Lauryn Luderman
Coastal Carolina University
Ela Knapik lab
I am interested in how disruptions in basic molecular and cellular mechanisms during normal development underly developmental disease. Currently, I am investigating the role of presynaptic active zone molecular components during neurodevelopment. My project utilizes the strength of live, in vivo imaging and genetic techniques in zebrafish to provide insights into the developmental function of these highly-conserved proteins. Moreover, I can use zebrafish as a vertebrate model system to examine the pathophysiology of patients diagnosed with developmental defects.