Paul S. Katz

Research Interests:

Dr. Katz is interested in the structure, function, development, and evolution of nervous systems. In particular, his lab focuses on the nervous system of the nudibranch mollusc, Berghia stephanieae. Unlike vertebrates, Berghia, octopuses, and other molluscs have brains that continue to add neurons throughout their life. His lab’s approach is to use a combination of volume electron microscopy, transcriptomics, physiology, and behavior in this novel laboratory species. The lab is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

There is a remarkable convergence in the form and function of olfactory systems in insects and. However, there are indications that molluscan olfactory systems may not exhibit this organization suggesting that there may be an alternative mechanism for olfactory coding. The Katz lab is determining whether Berghia represents a violation of the universal principle of olfactory glomerular organization.

The Katz lab collaborates with Jeff Lichtman’s lab at Harvard to reconstruct neurons and synapses and create a developmental connectomic atlas of the Berghia brain. Among other things, they are constructing developmental connectomes to follow the connectivity of individual neurons. At the time of hatching, Berghia has only 500 neurons in its central ring ganglia. This number increases ten-fold to over 5000 in less than 6 weeks. Moreover, the rhinophore ganglion develops de novo at hatching and increases to 9000 neurons in the same amount of time. Finally, Berghia can regenerate, not just parts of its body, but parts of its brain. These features provide a unique opportunity to life-long neurogenesis and resilience.

Education:

B.A., Northwestern University, 1982

M.S., Northwestern University, 1982

Ph.D., Cornell University, 1989

Postdoctoral: Brandeis University, 1989 - 1992