Department of Biology Ribble Endowment Seminar

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Mom does it best: Parental Care as a Model Phenotype to Explore How Cell-Type Specific Changes in Gene Expression Influence Brain Activity and Animal Behavior"

Self-photo of Dr. Brandon Logeman.Dr. Brandon Logeman

Bio:
Brandon L. Logeman, PhD is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After completing his Ph.D. at Duke University, he joined the lab of Catherine Dulac at Harvard University to study the molecular mechanisms through which changes in cell-type specific gene expression influence neural activity and animal behavior. After receiving a K99/R00 Career Transition Award he joined the University of Kentucky in August 2025. His new lab will utilize custom designed single-cell genomics technologies such as microfluidic, droplet based sequencing assays and imaging based spatial transcriptomics as well as de novo protein binder design across a panel of genetically diverse mouse strains to discover how genomic and environmental influences contribute to observable differences in animal behavior.

Abstract:
Parental care is composed of multiple infant-directed behaviors that promote offspring survival and is influenced by the sex and physiological state of the caregiver. Previous work in mice has identified the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus as a key brain area implicated in parental behaviors. However, numerous naturalistic behaviors and homeostatic processes are controlled by this area, hindering mechanistic investigation of the circuits underlying parental care. To overcome this challenge, here I employ cell-type specific RNA- and ATAC-seq analysis, neural activity recording, and perturbation to gain access into molecular, biophysical, and circuit-based causality of behavioral control. I find that various neuronal types involved in parenting behavior are each distinctively influenced by the sex and physiological status of an individual and uncover how cell-type specific regulatory programs alter gene expression and neural activity underlying behavior control. These results demonstrate how cell-type specific transcriptional responses to internal physiological cues mediate circuit specific alterations to neural activity and ultimately influence animal behavior.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"

A self photo of Dr. Afshin Beheshti in a navy blue collared button up shirt.
Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"

A self photo of Dr. Afshin Beheshti in a navy blue collared button up shirt.
Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"

A self photo of Dr. Afshin Beheshti in a navy blue collared button up shirt.
Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"

A self photo of Dr. Afshin Beheshti in a navy blue collared button up shirt.
Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116