Dr. Mark Zervas

Biography

Mark Zervas is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Brown University. His research primarily focuses on the mechanisms governing neuronal differentiation and circuit formation during brain development, particularly concerning pyramidal neurons. Zervas has worked extensively on the therapeutic approaches for metabolic brain disorders, such as Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, leading to clinical trials that integrate his findings into actionable therapies. His lab utilizes Genetic Inducible Fate Mapping (GIFM) to spatially and temporally analyze cell lineages based on specific gene expressions during embryogenesis, yielding insights into how certain progenitor populations contribute to neuronal identities and functionalities in the midbrain and cerebellum. This research is crucial for understanding the impacts of genetic mutations on brain diseases, including autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Zervas's work merges developmental biology with clinical implications, aiming to advance stem cell-based therapies to ameliorate neurological conditions. He has also been involved in significant grants to support his research efforts, establishing a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach in the field of neuroscience.

Research Interests

Experience