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Samuel Pfaff is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, leading the Gene Expression Laboratory. His work focuses on understanding the complexities of motor control and neuronal circuitry related to movement. He applies a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and cutting-edge microscopy and optogenetics tools to investigate how motor neurons develop and control muscle activity. Pfaff's research has made significant contributions to the field, including the identification of genetic pathways that allow motor neurons to develop and grow axons to muscles. His lab has successfully used genome sequencing to delineate molecular pathways involved in spinal cord development and has created functional spinal motor circuitry from embryonic stem cells. Notably, his team discovered that neurons in the spinal cord form critical regulatory nodes for motor activity and developed mouse lines that allow for visualization of spinal neuron activity during walking. Pfaff has also contributed to ALS therapy development in collaboration with scientists in San Diego. He holds a BA in Biology from Carleton College, a PhD in Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley, and has completed postdoctoral work at both Vanderbilt University and Columbia University.
Salk Institute for Biological Studies • La Jolla, CA
Leading research in the Gene Expression Laboratory.