Dr. Meital Oren-Suissa

Sexual dimorphisms in brain structure and function are evident across phylogeny, but little is known about sexually dimorphic features of individual neurons, and the mechanisms for establishment and maintenance of dimorphic neuronal circuits. The Oren lab investigates how sexually dimorphic patterns in the brain emerge, from synapse formation to animal behavior. To address these questions, we are using the powerful genetic toolbox of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model system, as well as human neuronal cultures and mice models. We have developed a unique system that enables studies of sexual dimorphism at the synaptic, circuit, genetic and behavioral levels, across all developmental stages and under pathological conditions.