Unlocking the Molecular Code of Memory and Neurodegeneration
Welcome to the Park Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. Our research is focused on developing innovative biomedical technologies to investigate complex molecular interactions and their dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases. A major focus of our work is understanding how gene expression is dynamically controlled at the RNA level within neural networks, particularly in the context of memory formation, circuit connectivity, and neuroplasticity. To address fundamental questions in neuroscience, we develop and apply cutting-edge tools for real-time visualization of RNA regulation in living tissues and organisms. By bridging molecular biology, single-molecule imaging, and genetic engineering, we seek to uncover how de novo gene expression is regulated in vivo at the single-cell, single-molecule level.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines optics, microfabrication, single-molecule biophysics, and computational modeling to study RNA regulation in live animals. In addition, we are developing blood-based biomarkers for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to translate our discoveries into clinical applications. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between gene expression, neural activity, circuit connectivity, and behavior, ultimately advancing knowledge in neuroscience and neurological disease research.