Professor
Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program

Graduate Training: University of Connecticut
Fellowship: University of Connecticut

Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurobiology & Anatomy
Sensory Neuroscience Research Center
WVU School of Medicine
One Medical Center Drive
PO Box 9303 Health Sciences Center
Morgantown, WV 26506-9303
t: 304-293-2357
f: 304-293-7182
e: aberrebi@hsc.wvu.edu

Research Interests

The Berrebi lab’s research program addresses the principles of organization of neuronal microcircuits in the central auditory pathway, with particular emphasis on chemical phenotypes that can be revealed with immunocytochemical techniques. Brain microinjections (physiological transport/tract-tracing) are employed to uncover the input-output relations of specific neuronal populations, and electron microscopy is utilized to characterize the ultrastructural features of auditory neurons and their synaptic inputs. We also perform in vivo extracellular recordings of sound-evoked activity in brainstem neurons, and selectively block receptors for inhibitory neurotransmitters to uncover the role of inhibition in shaping the response properties of the cell population under study. By unraveling complex neural pathways, our goal is to contribute to a better understanding of neural mechanisms of hearing, and to the development of refined cochlear and cochlear nucleus prostheses.

Three-dimensional reconstructions of SOC nuclei. This caudal view of the SOC has been rotated slightly medially and dorsally to provide the clearest view of all nuclei. The MNTB is yellow, the SPON red, the VNTB is a semi-transparent light blue, the MSO is orange, the LSO dark blue and the LNTB green. Note the dorsal expansion of the MSO as the nucleus courses rostrally and the manner in which the LNTB encapsulates the LSO.