Glial cells make up more than half of the cells in the human brain, but their function and role in disease remain largely unknown. The Purice lab investigates the intricate interactions between glial cells and neurons during aging and in age-associated disorders. Using C. elegans as a model system, the lab seeks to understand how these interactions become disrupted over the lifespan of the organism, and the molecular mechanisms underpinning these changes. We aim to understand how glia communicate with neurons, how aging affects glial physiology, how sexually dimorphic glia influence neuronal circuits and aging, and how environmental or dietary factors contribute to healthy aging. C. elegans offers a simplified nervous system, short lifespan, and advanced tools to measure healthspan and behavior. We employ a variety of tools such as molecular biology (including CRISPR-Cas9), genetics, high-throughput screens, snRNA-seq, and confocal and live-cell imaging.

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