Ronald Harris-Warrick
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Ron Harris-Warrick
Cornell University
Department of Neurobiology & Behavior
W159 Seeley G. Mudd Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Telephone: 607-254-4355
Fax: 607-254-1303
Email: rmh4@cornell.edu

Ron's CV
The Harris-Warrick lab is studying the cellular and synaptic mechanisms by which neuromodulators such as monoamines and peptides shape the motor outputs generated by central pattern generator circuits.  CPGs are limited networks that generate the timing, phasing and intensity commands for simple rhythmic movements such as locomotion and respiration.  Neuromodulators can shape the output from these networks by altering the strengths of the synapses between the component neurons (thus quantitatively “rewiring” the network) and by altering the intrinsic firing properties of the neurons so that their interpretation of synaptic inputs and decisions to spike are fundamentally altered.  These actions allow flexibility in our behaviors, even though they are generated by anatomically defined networks.

We study these questions in three systems:

            1) Monoamine modulation of the 14 neuron pyloric network in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion.
            2) Modulation by serotonin of the properties and synapses of identified neurons in the mouse spinal locomotor CPG.
            3) Changes in the intrinsic properties and responses to serotonin of identified interneurons in the mouse locomotor CPG after spinal cord injury.

These three projects are described in more detail in the Research section, accessed by clicking the tab above.  Other sections introduce you to the lab members, our publications and the courses I teach.