Adrian Thompson

Current Research

Brain activity plays a crucial role in instructing and shaping the maturation of neurons and neural circuits.  My research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable neurons and circuits in the developing nervous system to adapt and maintain function in response to changing activity—whether from sensory experience or abnormal conditions such as seizures.

Using the visual system of Xenopus laevis as an experimental model, I investigate: (1) the molecular and cellular processes that allow neurons and circuits to preserve function throughout development and during short-term adaptation to visual stimuli; (2) the impact of voltage-gated sodium channel dysfunction on the maturation of cells and circuits and how this leads to seizures; and (3) the integration of neurons born later in brain development into existing circuits, and how this integration is influenced by seizure activity.

While I continue to engage in research collaborations, my primary focus is undergraduate science education.  I draw on my background in molecular and cellular neurobiology, along with a strong commitment to evidence-based teaching practices, to design and teach neuroscience courses.  My classes emphasize a student-centered approach that nurtures the development of critical thinking skills and an understanding of the scientific method and effective science communication, all while building a robust foundation in core concepts in neuroscience.

Selected Publications

• Thompson, AC, & Aizenman, CD. (2024).  Characterization of Na+ currents regulating intrinsic excitability of optic tectal neurons.  Life Science Alliance, 7(1).  https://doi.org/10.26508/lsa.202302232.
• Gore, S, James, EJ, Huang, LC, Park, JJ, Berghella, A, Thompson, AC, Cline, HT, Aizenman, CD. (2021). The role of matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in neurodevelopmental deficits and experience-dependent structural plasticity in Xenopus laevis  eLife. 10, e62147  https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.62147.
• Pavez, M*, Thompson, AC*, Mitchell, CB, D’Atri, I, Chilton, JK, Scott, EK, Lin, JY, Young, KM, Gasperini, RJ, Foa, L (2019). Axon pathfinding requires STIM1-mediated microtubule polymerization and endoplasmic reticulum remodeling.  Journal of Neuroscience, Volume 39, Pages 5095-5114.  *Authors contributed equally.  https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2496-18.2019.
• Gasperini, RJ., Pavez, M., Thompson, AC, Mitchell, CB., Hardy, H., Young, KM., Chilton, JK., Foa, L. (2017).  How does calcium interact with the cytoskeleton regulate growth cone motility during axon pathfinding”.  Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, October 2017, Volume 82, Pages 29-35.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2017.07.006.