Georgetown Neurobiology Undergraduates Co-Author High-Impact Study in Advanced Science

The Department of Biology is proud to announce that three undergraduate Neurobiology majors: Chloe Lok (’23), Rachel Nokku (’26), and Grace Chu (’28) have co-authored a significant research paper recently published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science.

The study, which utilizes Drosophila as a model organism, establishes chromatin remodeling as a vital regulator of synaptic homeostasis. The research demonstrates that Chd1, the homologue of the human autism risk gene CHD2, controls neural stability in a highly specific temporal and cellular manner.

Key Findings:

• Glial Involvement: The work reveals an essential role for glia in the rapid induction of homeostatic plasticity.
• Epigenetic Links: It successfully links epigenetic regulation to defined downstream effectors and presynaptic mechanisms.
• Clinical Impact: By showing how neural circuits maintain stability, these findings offer a mechanistic framework for understanding how disruptions in chromatin remodelers contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.

This achievement highlights the Department’s commitment to providing undergraduates with opportunities to engage in world-class, published research. Congratulations to Chloe, Rachel, and Grace on this remarkable milestone!