Dr. Timothy Gomez

Biography

Timothy Gomez is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on understanding the intracellular mechanisms that regulate growth cone motility behavior in neurons. The laboratory investigates how growth cones, which are specialized structures at the tips of growing axons and dendrites, detect and transduce extracellular cues that guide their outgrowth. Recent advancements in the field have led to the discovery of new classes of ligands and receptors, enhancing the understanding of how growth cones integrate various extracellular stimuli to exhibit stereotyped behaviors. The lab employs advanced imaging technologies, including confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, to visualize the dynamic behavior of growth cones and assess their physiological responses during axon extension in vitro and during guided outgrowth in intact spinal cords. The research also leverages model systems, such as the African Clawed frog, and investigates the development of retinal ganglion cells using human induced pluripotent stem cells to explore the nuances of human neuronal development.

Research Interests