Welcome Christopher Brett is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Canada Research Chair at Concordia University and Adjunct Professor of Anatomy & Cell Biology at McGill University in beautiful Montréal, QC, Canada. His research program is dedicated to understanding how the endocytic system functions and how defects in this pathway lead to symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, mental retardation and ADHD. The ion and membrane transport laboratory Specializing in both yeast and neural cell biology, our lab is dedicated to understanding how sodium hydrogen exchangers (ion transporters) and the fusion machinery (responsible for membrane transport or trafficking) work together in the endocytic system to control protein degradation, to determine organelle size, shape and number, and to allow synaptic pruning in neurons. Mutations in genes responsible for endocytosis - such as NHE9, a sodium hydrogen exchanger - are linked to autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. By determining the effects of these mutations on endocytic function, we aim to uncover the cellular basis of these diseases - a necessary step towards developing treatments. Our lab is affiliated with the Groupe d'Étude des Protéines Membranaires (GÉPROM), the Centre de recherche sur la conception, les mechanismes d'action et la vectorisation des médicaments (Pharmaqam) and the Centre for Microscopy at Concordia (CMAC). Check out the research page for more details, and have a look at the publications page for a complete list of research articles from the lab. Research opportunities updated Feb 2013 Applicants with experience studying endocytosis, membrane fusion, or ion transport in yeast or neurons are particularly encouraged to apply. Check out the opportunities page for details. Laboratory news updated May 2013 |