We use genetic tools to identify the role of genes and their products in establishing a functional nervous system.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are interested in joining the lab, please contact Sigr\u00ed\u00f0ur Rut Franzd\u00f3ttir sirrut [at] hi.is<\/p>\n We study the function of novel players in neuronal development and nervous system function using the conventional tools of reverse genetics in combination with advanced microscopic techniques.<\/p>\n All cells depend on efficient surveillance of proteins, from synthesis to distruction. In neurons, these processes are particularly important and failure to detect or clear misfolded or obsolete proteins can result in neurodegeneration. We are interested in the processes behind neuronal proteostasis, in particular in motor neurons, and how crosstalk between key processes such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy is mediated under normal and disease-like conditions.<\/p>\n Mutations in the gene SLC13A5, which encodes a cell membrane citrate transporter, cause a rare and severe form of epilepsy in children. Why reduced citrate transport in the CNS has this effect is unknown. In this project, we study the role and function of the transporter under native and disease-like conditions in iPS-derived culture models.<\/p>\n Krist\u00edn E. Allison<\/p>\n Fri\u00f0rik Bj\u00f6rn Kjartansson<\/p>\n Krist\u00edn Gy\u00f0a Hrafnkels Hlynsd\u00f3ttir<\/p>\n Stef\u00e1n Eggertsson<\/p>\n Theresa Maria Quinkler, MS 2014<\/p>\n Krist\u00edn E Allison, MS 2017<\/p>\n H\u00f6r\u00f0ur Gu\u00f0mundsson, Research assistant<\/p>\n Samantha Jeng, MS 2019<\/p>\n Arnar \u00de\u00f3r Bj\u00f6rgvinsson, MS 2020<\/p>\n BS students and interns present\/past<\/strong><\/p>\n Pablo Alcon 2011<\/p>\n Helene Nourrit 2016<\/p>\n Julia Reiche 2017<\/p>\n Robin Morabito 2017<\/p>\n Brynhildur Magn\u00fasd\u00f3ttir\u00a0 2017<\/p>\n Arnar \u00de\u00f3r Bj\u00f6rvinsson 2017<\/p>\n Arnar Ingi Vilhj\u00e1lmsson 2018<\/p>\n Katr\u00edn Rut Halld\u00f3rsd\u00f3ttir 2018<\/p>\n Krist\u00edn Gy\u00f0a Hrafnkels Hlynsd\u00f3ttir 2019<\/p>\n Stefan\u00eda Reynisd\u00f3ttir 2021<\/p>\n Amber Declercq 2021<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We use genetic tools to identify the role of genes and their products in establishing a functional nervous system. \u00a0 The Developmental Biology research group at the Institute of Life- and Environmental Sciences studies nervous system development and protein dynamics … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/uni.hi.is\/sirrut\/files\/2017\/03\/Leyndo-zoom-150x150.jpg\")
The Developmental Biology research group at the Institute of Life- and Environmental Sciences studies nervous system development and protein dynamics in Drosophila melanogaster\u00a0<\/em>and in iPS cell-derived models of human disease.<\/p>\n
\nResearch directions<\/h2>\n
Gene functional studies in the Drosophila\u00a0<\/em>nervous system<\/h3>\n
Proteostatic processes and neurodegeneration<\/h3>\n
Modelling Citrate Transporter Deficiency in the human central nervous system<\/h3>\n
\nMembers<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/uni.hi.is\/sirrut\/files\/2017\/03\/PIs-1024x450.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhD Students<\/h2>\n
MS Students<\/h2>\n
\nFormer<\/h2>\n