Welcome to the Home Page of The Peña Lab!
Our laboratory specializes in the analysis of gene expression and function that are relevant to cognitive processes and that may help understand the causes of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, respectively.
For more information see "About Us".
Our Recent Papers Showcased
Identification of flap-structure specific endonuclease 1 as a factor necessary for memory consolidation in conditioned taste aversion (CTA). (Saavedra-Rodríguez et al, 2009; Journal of Neuroscience).
Our lab has postulated that genomic rearrangement mechanisms, similar to those used in the immune system to produce the high diversity and variability necessary to produce immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors, are involved in the formation of certain forms of memory. Such DNA recombination/repair mechanisms involve three phases: one in which gene segments are cut my means of DNA endonucleases, a second in which such gene segments have their 3' DNA ends processed by mechanisms involing template dependent and independent DNA polymerases, as well as repair endonucleases, and a final stage in which DNA ligase joins rearranged and processed DNA ends back into the genome.
In this newest paper, we have identified the first DNA endonuclases that is functionally necessary for the formation of long-term memory. We hope that others in the fieldalso embark in this interest new line of research towards the understanding of how the brain stores information.
Media Coverage
Puerto Rico Chapter of the Molecular & Cellular Cognition Society
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the first Local Chapter of the Molecular & Cellular Cognition Society (MCCS) in Puerto Rico. This chapter was first created in February 2002. Several laboratories at various research institutions in Puerto Rico are heavily involved in the field of Molecular & Cellular Cognition. This Chapter will help local investigators to coalesce into a common theme and will help strengthen and even increase the level of interactions, synergisms, and collaborations between laboratories in the Island. Puerto Rico also has a very strategic significance in the spread of the missions and goals of the MCCS internationally. We are in a unique position, within the Caribbean, that enables us to interact with scientists in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain. Thus, one of are greatest goals is to help bring together scientists from these regions, join and interact with them during our activities as a Local Chapter.