The Forni Lab - RNA Institute Spotlight

Dr. Jennifer Lin,  Postdoc

Lab member since: 2015

Project Name: Tfap2e/AP-2ε is a transcriptional regulator controlling neuronal identity and circuitry formation in the mouse accessory olfactory system

Briefly Describe your project: I am interested in the role of transcription factors in the selection and maintenance of neuronal identity and have used mouse models to knock-out, rescue, and ectopically express AP-2ε to test if we can reprogram neurons. 

Working in the Forni lab is a great collaborative experience. Even though everyone has their own projects everyone is willing to help and share their expertise. - Jennifer Lin
 

Hobbies: gardening, trying new foods, hiking, rock climbing, and spending time with her dog. 

Ed Zandro Taroc, RNA Fellow

Lab Member Since: 2015 (Undergraduate Student) 2018 (Graduate Student)

Project Title: Discovering the role of Gli3 in Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Development and GnRH-1 neuronal Migration

Briefly describe your project: The goal of my project is to understand the role of Gli3 in the development of the olfactory ensheathing cells which are a crucial cell type in facilitating the migration of Gondatropin Releasing Hormone-1 neurons (GnRH-1ns), a neuronal population important for pubertal onset and sexual maturation.

I have been in this lab since it started and it has been a very fun adventure being a part of all of the projects that have developed in the last 6 years – Ed Zandro Taroc

Ed has published 4 first author papers since joining the lab. One of his publication images was used on the cover of the Journal Neuroscience last year. Recently he contributed a writing piece developed during the RNA Fellows Science Communication Track in the RNA Institute Spring Newsletter In the Loop.

Hobbies: morning runs, video games, reading hanging with friends and getting into random shenanigans.

Follow Ed: @edtaroc (Twitter and Instagram)

Raghu Katreddi, RNA Fellow

Lab member since: January 2019

Project Name: Role of Notch signaling in the apical vs basal neuronal cell fate determination in the Vomeronasal organ

Briefly Describe your project: I am interested in studying how common pools of stem cells can give rise to different neuronal cell types. Vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a part of accessory olfactory system in mouse, and it consists of 2 major neuronal sub types - 1) apical neurons and 2) basal neurons. In my project, I am studying whether notch signaling has a role in the cell fate determination of the apical and basal neuronal types in the VNO.

It's so much fun working in the lab. My PI gives lot of freedom to develop the project and share thoughts with other lab members. He also gives opportunities to collaborate with other lab mates and other labs. - Raghu Katreddi

Since 2019, Raghu has coauthored 2 research articles and recently published a review article on the development of the vomeronasal organ (see publications listed below). 

Follow Raghu: @KatreddiRam (Twitter)

Rico Amato, PhD Student

Lab member since: March 2021 

Project Name: Tracing the Development of the Terminal Nerve

Briefly Describe your project: The Terminal Nerve is the only nerve that is known to project from the nose to the basal forebrain. Despite this, it’s elusive structure, how it develops, and its function are still unknown. Using a novel transgenic mouse model, we can trace the terminal nerve as it migrates and generate the first time-course reconstruction of the terminal nerve. 

Being able to see neurons as they develop is always cool, and Paolo and the lab's excitement for my data serves as a reminder that this was the path I was meant to take – Rico Amato

Rico contributed to his first publication last year! Congratulations Rico!

Hobbies: video games, tennis, and baking.

Follow Rico: @AmatoRico (Twitter), @ricoamato (Instagram)

Tyler Mitchell, Research Assistant/Tech

Lab member since: July 2020

Project Name: Role of MSL3 in Mouse Spermatogenesis 

Project Description: MSL3 is a gene involved in drosophila oogenesis. It is important for meiosis progression In drosophila as it is involved in upregulation of synaptonemal complex genes and indirectly promotes Rbfox1 mediated Meiotic cycle entry. It has been found to be expressed in mouse testes as well suggesting a conserved role or another important function. 

It is a healthy and welcoming environment. Paolo’s excitement and drive is infectious and felt all throughout the lab. It’s a very fun and stimulating lab to be apart of. - Tyler Mitchell