Laboratory of Dr. Charles Allen

Research Interests

The long-term goal of our research is to understand the functional properties of SCN neurons and how the circadian clock regulates these properties. To reach this goal we are pursuing four lines of research (click for a summary of our work in these areas): 

Cellular electrophysiology of the suprachiasmatic nucleus

Regulation of retinal input to the SCN

Role of intracellular Ca2+ as a signaling molecule in the circadian system

Characterization of the retinal ganglion cells projecting to the SCN

Publications

Find Dr. Allen's publications on PubMed

Lab Members

Ludovic Alvado, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Alvado received his Master of Science and Ph.D. from the University of Bordeaux. He is studying how optic nerve stimulation regulates the action potential firing of SCN neurons

Robert Irwin, M.D., MPH
Senior Investigator

Dr. Irwin received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Portland State University and his M.D. and M.P.H. from Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon. Dr. Irwin is using cellular imaging techniques to study the role of calcium signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. More information.

Mykhaylo Moldavan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Moldavan received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kyiv State University in Kyiv, Ukraine and his Ph.D in Physiology from the Bogomoletz Institute of Kyiv, Ukraine. He is studying the modulation, by presynaptic receptors, of optic nerve signaling to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. More information.

Benjamin Cottam, B.S.
Research Assistant

Mr. Cottam received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Music from Pacific University. More information.