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Dawn M. Blitz

Biographical Information

My research is aimed at understanding the cellular mechanisms by which neural circuits are modified to produce different outputs. Flexibility in circuit output is pivotal for nervous system  responses to changes in an animal’s physiological state and external environment. This flexibility is important for behaviors ranging from core rhythmic movements (e.g., locomotion) to decision-making. My research focuses specifically on central pattern generator (CPG) circuits, which underlie rhythmic behaviors such as locomotion, respiration and mastication. Specifically, we use small, well-defined CPG circuits in the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the Jonah crab, Cancer borealis because it enables access to multiple levels of rhythmic motor pathways in vitro, including identified network, sensory and modulatory neurons, and muscles.

Ongoing research includes determining (1) the role of circuit feedback to circuit inputs, (2) how the same modulator acts simultaneously at multiple sites, (3) how the release of neuromodulators is controlled, and (4) the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying switching between different circuit outputs. We address these questions at multiple levels from single neurons to circuits to muscle activity patterns, including in behaving crabs.

Selected Publications

^UUndergraduate student author, ^GGraduate student author

• Gnanabharathi B^G, Fahoum S-RH^G, Blitz DM (2024) Neuropeptide modulation enables biphasic inter-network coordination via a dual-network neuron. eNeuro 11: ENEURO.0.21-0.24.2024.
• Fahoum S-RH^G, Blitz DM (2024) Neuropeptide modulation of bidirectional internetwork synapses. J Neurophysiol, 132:184-205.
• Blitz DM, Griller S (2024) Editorial overview: Motor circuits in action. Curr Opin Neurobiol 84:102836.
  • Invited Co-Guest editor for motor systems issue
• Fahoum S-RH^G, Blitz DM (2024) Switching neuron contributions to second network activity. J Neurophysiol, 131:417-434.
  • Invited Micro Podcast:
• Blitz DM (2023) Neural circuit regulation by identified modulatory projection neurons. Front Neurosci 17:1154769.
  • Invited review
• Snyder RR^G, Blitz DM (2022) Multiple intrinsic membrane properties are modulated in a switch from single- to dual-network activity. J Neurophysiol, 128:1181-1198.
• Fahoum, S-RH^G, Blitz DM (2021) Neuronal switching between single- and dual-network activity via modulation of intrinsic membrane properties. J Neurosci, 41: 7848-7863.

Courses Taught

• BIO/PSY 159: Seminar in Neuroscience
• BIO 161: Principles of Human Physiology
• BIO 177/277/377/477/320/677: Independent study
• BIO 305: Human Physiology
• BIO 340: Internship
• BIO 400: Capstone Seminar in Neural Plasticity
• BIO 452W/552: Neuromodulation: Cells to Circuits
• BIO 491: Seminar in Biology: Neural Control of Movement
• BIO 700: Research for Master's Thesis
• BIO 710: Advanced Seminar: Neural feedback loops; Endocannabinoids, Neural Plasticity
• BIO 720: Doctoral Research
• BIO 850: Research for Doctoral Dissertation