Anoohya Muppirala

Thesis advisor: Meenakshi Rao
Rotation lab(s): Beth Stevens, Meenakshi Rao
For me, home is: Apple Valley, MN
Undergraduate degree(s): BA Neuroscience
Research experience before PiN: During undergrad, I investigated genetic and molecular regulators of myelination in the central and peripheral nervous system using zebrafish as a model organism. I also had multiple short term research experiences. One summer I developed multiple Drosophila mutant lines to investigate the role of synaptotagmin-7 and various Rab proteins in regulating asynchronous synaptic firing at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. I also spent a summer conducting immunology work, involving the characterization of differential cytokine profiles of lupus patients with distinct baseline levels of IFN-alpha.
Current research interests: My broad interests are in neuroimmunology. Specifically, how peripheral immune cells and nervous system glia inform eachother during homeostasis and inflammation. Peripheral barriers such as the skin or the gut present interesting interfaces to study these dynamics of glia-immune cell cross talk in response to commensal and foreign antigens. Therefore, I am curious to use the mouse gut as a model to characterize and uncover novel roles of enteric nervous system glia in mediating gut homeostasis and inflammation.
Interests outside lab / favorite hangouts: I love to play tennis in the summer and walk around the city. For hangouts, I love grabbing dim sum in Chinatown and bubble tea. I also enjoy having picnics and going to the Arnold Arboretum.