Vanessa Auld

Vanessa Auld is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at The University of British Columbia, specializing in Cell and Developmental Biology. Her research focuses on the roles of glia in the development and function of the nervous system, particularly in the fruit-fly, Drosophila melanogaster. She investigates mechanisms that drive glial cells to ensheathe axons, the formation of glial-based blood-brain barriers, and interactions between glial layers and the extracellular matrix. Her work utilizes genetics, molecular biology, and high-resolution microscopy to study glial proteins and their functions during nervous system development.

Vanessa Auld's research focuses on neurobiology, cell biology, and development, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal and glial function. Her work explores the role of sodium channels in neuronal excitability, particularly through studies on the rat brain Na+ channel α subunit and its gating properties. Auld also investigates the interactions between neurons and glia, especially in the context of Drosophila melanogaster, where she examines the development and function of peripheral glia and their role in axon guidance and blood-nerve barrier formation. Her research also includes the study of gliotactin, a transmembrane protein essential for septate junction development and glial function. These studies highlight the importance of glia in nervous system development and homeostasis.