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

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.

Senior Research Associate

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 suprachia

smatic nucleus. More information.

Nate Klett, B.S.

Graduate Student Researcher

Nate received his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from University of Pittsburgh in 2008.  Later that year, Nate enrolled in OHSU's Neuroscience Graduate Program, and has since joined the laboratory of Dr. Charles Allen.  Nate's thesis project
examines the intracellular chloride concentration in neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.