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Janine Kwapis is an Associate Professor at the Eberly College of Science specializing in Biology. Her research focuses on molecular epigenetic mechanisms that support long-term memory formation. The lab investigates how molecular pathways influence memory storage and updating, particularly in the context of aging and age-related memory impairments. One of the significant areas of study includes circadian clock genes and their role in memory decline with aging, highlighting the interaction between circadian rhythms and memory processes. Her work has shown that the circadian gene Period1 (Per1) interacts with histone deacetylase HDAC3 in the aging hippocampus, contributing to memory formation impairments. Additionally, the lab explores the epigenetic mechanisms underlying fear memories using fear conditioning techniques, aiming to uncover the molecular basis for how aversive memories are formed and modified. By employing next-generation sequencing and circuit-specific manipulations, the lab seeks to understand the vulnerabilities of stable memories during reconsolidation and how memories are updated with new information.
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