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Paul S. Katz

Professor
Office: 432 SA
Phone: (404) 413-5398
Email: pkatz@gsu.edu

Biographical Information:

Ph.D. Cornell University 1989
Joint appointment: Department of Biology
Director of the Center for Neuromics
President-elect of the Society for Neuroethology
Co-director of the Neural Systems & Behavior Course at MBL

Research Description:

Neuromics, Neuromodulation and the Evolution of Neuronal Circuits

We are interested in how neuromodulatory actions are temporally integrated by neuronal circuits. Our primary research species is the opisthobranch mollusc, Tritonia diomedea, which produces an escape swimming response to contact to with a predator. A neuron that is a component of the central pattern generator (CPG) circuit for swimming in Tritonia contains the biogenic amine, serotonin, which it uses for both neurotransmission and neuromodulation. We are currently using physiological, calcium imaging, and computational approaches to examine how this neuron provides flexibility to the pattern generating circuit. In particular, we are looking at how the second messenger actions of serotonin are integrated by post-synaptic neurons on a moment-to-moment basis. This "Biochemical Integration" may play a role in the generation of the behavior rather than simply in its modulation.  We have found that neuromodulatory actions can be time- and state- dependent.

A second major focus of the lab is the evolution of neuronal circuits. We have identified homologous neurons in different molluscan species that seem to subserve different functions. We are comparing the neurophysiological properties of these neurons to better understand how species-specific behaviors might have evolved.  We have recently begun to use gene expression to identify neurons.  This may allow us to find additional homologous neurons.

Finally, we are building a web-based tool called NeuronBank  for cataloging information about identified neurons and their connections.  This neuroinformatic approach will allow users to publish and search for information about neurons and synapses.

Grant Funding

Research in our lab is funded by grants from NIH,NSF, and the Brains & Behavior program.