Pederick Lab
We study:
The spatial expression of molecules and their relationship to neural connectivity
The mechanisms that mediate topographic neural circuit organization
Why precise neural connectivity is critical for proper brain function
Pederick Lab
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
Department of Neuroscience
We study:
The spatial expression of molecules and their relationship to neural connectivity
The mechanisms that mediate topographic neural circuit organization
Why precise neural connectivity is critical for proper brain function
Research
The formation of precise neural connections during development is critical for proper brain function.
In the Pederick Lab we use a combination of single-cell transcriptomic analysis, animal models, virus-mediated axon tracing and in vivo electrophysiology to identify the molecules and mechanisms mediating correct neural circuit formation and organization.
We focus on understanding these processes in the central auditory system, a network in which the function is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders and in which it remains unclear how these specific connections are established.
The overall goal of the lab is to understand how central auditory circuits are assembled, assess how developmental disruptions impact function, and investigate methods to overcome auditory processing deficiencies in neurodevelopmental disorders.
How does the brain make sense of sound?
When we hear a sound, we almost instantaneously recognize the frequency and physical location of that sound. How does the brain do this?
Sound is first detected by the cochlea, and auditory information is sent to the brainstem, where it is processed through a series of distinct neural pathways that enable properties such as frequency and location to be decoded.
To process the frequency of sound, the brain uses tonotopic maps, which are the spatial organization of how sounds with different physical
frequencies are represented in all auditory regions.
Tonotopic connections are formed between neurons of different auditory processing regions. Neurons that are tuned to similar frequencies are connected with each other. This ensures that information about sound frequency is accurately represented in all auditory brain regions.
The formation of tonotopic connections begins early in brain development, before we can even hear, and this organization is later refined during a critical period that occurs at the onset of hearing.
We are investigating the mechanisms that are important at both stages of development for the correct formation of tonotopic maps and how these processes are disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Tonotopic connections
To reveal the mechanisms of central auditory circuit formation we use a multidisciplinary approach. We identify candidate wiring molecules, specifically label tonotopic connections and determine the spatial representation of different sound frequencies in the brain. This strategy allows us to understand how these precise connections are formed and how disrupting this process changes the function of central auditory circuits.
Research
The formation of precise neural connections during development is critical for proper brain function.
In the Pederick Lab we use a combination of single-cell transcriptomic analysis, animal models, virus-mediated axon tracing and in vivo electrophysiology to identify the molecules and mechanisms mediating correct neural circuit formation and organization.
We focus on understanding these processes in the central auditory system, a network in which function is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders and in which it remains unclear how these specific connections are established.
The overall goal of the lab is to understand how central auditory circuits are assembled, assess how developmental disruptions impact function, and investigate methods to overcome auditory processing deficiencies in neurodevelopmental disorders.
How does the brain make sense of sound?
When we hear a sound, we almost instantaneously recognize the frequency and physical location of that sound. How does the brain do this?
Sound is first detected by the cochlea, and auditory information is sent to the brainstem, where it is processed through a series of distinct neural pathways that enable properties such as frequency and location to be decoded.
To process the frequency
of sound, the brain uses
tonotopic maps, which are
the spatial organization of
how sounds with different
physical frequencies are
represented in all auditory
regions.
Tonotopic connections are
formed between neurons
of different auditory
processing regions.
Neurons that are tuned
to similar frequencies are
connected with each other.
This ensures that information
about sound frequency is
accurately represented in
all auditory brain regions.
The formation of tonotopic connections begins early in brain development, before we can even hear, and this organization is later refined during a critical period that occurs at the onset of hearing.
We are investigating the mechanisms that are important at both stages of development for the correct formation of tonotopic maps and how these processes are disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Tonotopic connections
To reveal the mechanisms of central auditory circuit formation we use a multidisciplinary approach. We identify candidate wiring molecules, specifically label tonotopic connections and determine the spatial representation of different sound frequencies in the brain. This strategy allows us to understand how these precise connections are formed and how disrupting this process changes the function of central auditory circuits.
People
Daniel Pederick
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Dan grew up in Adelaide, Australia and earned his Ph.D. at The University of Adelaide in South Australia, completing his doctoral work in Paul Thomas' laboratory where he studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique X-linked inheritance pattern of PCDH19 epilepsy.
In 2017, Dan moved to California and completed his postdoctoral work in Liqun Luo’s laboratory at Stanford University, studying how cell surface molecules guide complex neural circuit assembly, before joining the Department of Neuroscience in the summer of 2025.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys cycling and baking bread.
People
Daniel Pederick
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Dan grew up in Adelaide, Australia and earned his Ph.D. at The University of Adelaide in South Australia, completing his doctoral work in Paul Thomas' laboratory where he studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique X-linked inheritance pattern of PCDH19 epilepsy.
In 2017, Dan moved to California and completed his postdoctoral work in Liqun Luo’s laboratory at Stanford University, studying how cell surface molecules guide complex neural circuit assembly, before joining the Department of Neuroscience in the summer of 2025.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys cycling and baking bread.
Publications
Selected publications
Principles of hippocampal circuit assembly
Context-dependent role of G protein signaling in neural circuit assembly
*Contributed equally.
Other publications
Publications
Selected publications
Principles of hippocampal circuit assembly
Context-dependent role of G protein signaling in neural circuit assembly
*Contributed equally.
Molecular mechanisms of PCDH19 Epilepsy
Other publications
Positions
Join us!
We are looking for students and postdoctoral fellows interested in neural circuit assembly, central auditory processing and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Graduate students
Students interested in engaging with Johns Hopkins University's vibrant neuroscience research community are highly encouraged to contact Dan and apply to the Neuroscience Graduate Program. The lab also welcomes graduate students from the Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program.
Current graduate students enrolled at JHU or the JHU School of Medicine should contact Dan to explore the possibility of rotating in the lab.
Postdoctoral fellows
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dan directly with a brief introduction, CV and the names and contact information of three references.
Research staff
The lab is looking to hire full time research assistants at junior and senior levels. Individuals interested in full-time research positions should contact Dan directly to discuss in more detail.
Positions
Join us!
We are looking for students and postdoctoral fellows interested in neural circuit assembly, central auditory processing and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Graduate students
Students interested in engaging with Johns Hopkins University's vibrant neuroscience research community are highly encouraged to contact Dan and apply to the Neuroscience Graduate Program. The lab also welcomes graduate students from the Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program.
Current graduate students enrolled at JHU or the JHU School of Medicine should contact Dan to explore the possibility of rotating in the lab.
Postdoctoral fellows
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dan directly with a brief introduction, CV and the names and contact information of three references.
Research staff
The lab is looking to hire full time research assistants at junior and senior levels. Individuals interested in full-time research positions should contact Dan directly to discuss in more detail.
Contact us
Wood Basic Science Building, 1001A
725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205
Contact us
Wood Basic Science Building, 1001A
725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205
