Michael Tibbetts
Associate Professor of Biology; Director, Biology Program; Adjunct Faculty, Master of Arts in Teaching Program
Office: Reem-Kayden Center 212
Phone: 845-752-2309
Email: tibbetts@bard.edu
Homepage: http://biology.bard.edu/faculty/tibbetts
Education
Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (1989), Wesleyan University
B.S., Biology (1983), University of Massachussets, Dartmouth
Courses
Biology 151, Genes to Traits,
Biology 201, Eukaryotic Genetics,
Biology 302, Molecular Biology ,
Biology 304, Cell Biology,
Biology 411, Cancer Biology ,
Biology/Philosophy 268, Issues in Bioethics.
Research
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) has been implicated in brain development and Long
Term Potentiation (LTP) in a wide range of vertebrates including human. Within a
single species, multiple forms of the receptor exist that are comprised of different
combinations of the products of three different gene families, NR1, NR2, and NR3.
Using zebrafish as our model organism, our current work focuses on the role NR1 in brain development and behavior. We use molecular, and genetic approaches to examine the complex changes that occur in the composition of this protein during brain development. We are also examining how perturbing the normal function of this protein during development and in the adult influences zebrafish development.
We have also undertaken a long-term project that uses a quantitative genetic approach to identify other genetic components that interact with the NMDA receptor to influence behavior.
Zebrafish have a number of advantages for this kind of work. They are small and easily cared for, so large colonies can be maintained. They produce large numbers of externally fertilized eggs and the embryos are transparent, making experimental manipulation and observation relatively straightforward. They are also amenable to microinjection techniques allowing us to genetically manipulation the expression of specific genes. Finally, because they are vertebrates and have been shown too posses NMDA receptor genes similar to those found in humans, the work we do in this model system should tell us something about the gene networks involved in human behavior.