Faculty Sponsor: Eric Morrow

Mutations in the NHE6 protein have been linked to autism and intellectual disability, and patients with NHE6 mutations have defects in the cerebellum. However, very little is known about the role of NHE6 in normal cerebellar development. Using high resolution imaging technologies, Sophia studied the role of NHE6 in the developing mouse cerebellum. In particular, she characterized the expression pattern of NHE6 and to analyze the effect of disrupting the NHE6 gene during cerebellar development. Sophia’s work will contribute to a better understanding of the biology of autism and intellectual disability.