Hughes Mentor:  Joseph Fetcho

Department: Neurobiology and Behavior

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Meet a Cornell Researcher! Joseph Fetcho

Dr. Fetcho attended graduate school at the University of Michigan. His field of interest was snake locomotion, which attracted him to the University of Michigan because it was the home of a well known professor studying snake locomotion. But due to the difficulties associated with using snakes as a model organism he decided to switch into a different field, neurobiology. Dr. Fetcho did his post doctorate at SUNY Buffalo where he studied the physiology of fish particularly their escape mechanisms. He began his work with Zebra fish at Stony Brook University in Long Island. Zebra fish served as an ideal model organism because Zebra fish larvae are transparent and so their nervous system can be observed directly through their skin. Fortuitously a new technique to label neurons was being developed at around the same time. His eventual decision to come to Cornell University involved to factors. First he did not like the growing hectic atmosphere in Long Island. Furthermore the growing life sciences department at Cornell attracted him especially in consideration of his mounting disappointment in a stagnant life sciences department at Stony Brook. Dr. Fetcho is Currently using Zebra fish as a model organism for two purposes. First he is using them to develop a basic set of principles on the organization of function of neurons, and secondly to study nerve regeneration. The Qualities that Dr. Fetcho values in undergraduates are enthusiasm for biology and a commitment to the hard work that is necessary to carry out research.

An Interview with Dr. Joe Fetcho

Dr. Joe Fetcho grew up in Bethlehem, PA, and attended Lehigh University. At Lehigh, he became interested in studying snakes and decided to pursue a Ph.D. in snake locomotion at the University of Michigan. After beginning his studies at the University of Michigan, his research interests changed and he began studying the comparative anatomy of the development and organization of muscle innervations in different organisms. Dr. Fetcho then continued his studies as a Post Doc at SUNY Buffalo, where he studied spinal cord organization and the Mauthner neuron, which is involved in the fish escape response. In 1990, Dr. Fetcho accepted a faculty position at SUNY Stoneybrook, where he remained until 2004 when he moved to Cornell University.

The Fetcho Lab began studying goldfish, but switched to their present organism, the zebrafish, during the mid-1990s because it was more suitable for their experiments. One of the most attractive traits of the zebrafish is the fact that the larval zebrafish is transparent, allowing for convenient observation of fluorescently labeled cells and molecules. Fetcho Lab experiments often involve labeling single neurons with calcium sensitive dyes that fluoresce differently in the presence of calcium, making it ideal for detecting neural activity, which involves a cellular influx of calcium. The transparent larva also allow for easy observation of fluorescently labeled protein movement. The transparent nature of larval zebrafish allows for many in vivo studies not possible with many other model organisms.

The Fetcho lab is currently undertaking a number of projects. Some studies are investigating how neural circuits allow for the zebrafish escape response, a defense mechanism. The Fetcho lab is employing genetic manipulations and selective neuron destruction with lasers in order to better define the roles of various neurons and study circuit function. Other studies concern the nature of synaptic strengthening. These studies often involve monitoring pre-and post-synaptic neural activity using the previously mentioned fluorescence techniques. The Fetcho Lab is also studying neuron regeneration. Past results have shown that application of cAMP has promoted regeneration and restored function to severed neurons. While these and other studies specifically involve zebrafish, the implications extend far beyond fish biology, and will allow for a better understanding of human neural damage and movement disorders. For more information, pictures, and videos on the Fetcho Lab’s research, please check out the Lab website: http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/Fetcho/index.htm.

In his spare time, Dr. Fetcho enjoys computer programming, and spending time outdoors and with his wife and son. He also enjoys the travel opportunities afforded by invitations to give seminars on his research.