Wenjing Sun

Research Description:

Most axons in the central nervous system (CNS) are wrapped with compact layers of myelin sheaths to ensure the rapid transmission of neuronal signals over long distances. As myelin thickness and sheath length profoundly affect conduction velocity, myelination is also crucial to the precise control of spatiotemporal activity patterns in the CNS. Our research focuses on dissecting the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling myelin formation during development and myelin repair after CNS trauma and diseases. We are particularly interested in studying the communication between neurons and oligodendrocyte lineage cells. My lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach combing viral gene delivery, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches, and advanced imaging techniques, together with in vivo multi-channel recording and ex vivo patch-clamp techniques and behavioral assessment.