Current Research Description

Dr. Zhou’s laboratory focuses on the physiology and pathophysiology of astrocytes, a glial subtype that are linked through conduit proteins, gap junctions, into a syncytium. The syncytial coupling has been indicated in their recent study to confer an isopotentiality to astrocytes network, by which astrocytes operate as a functional system in brain homeostasis. In ongoing studies, they are investigating 1) the anatomical basis, gap junction, ion channel mechanisms and biophysical rationale underlying this newly appreciated glial mechanism;  2) how neuronal signaling regulates the functional states of astrocyte syncytium, and that in turn, subserves brain homeostasis and synaptic transmission; and 3) how disruption of an astrocyte syncytium,  at both of the structural and functional levels, is etiologically associated with neurological disorders, such as stroke, epilepsy, and depression.