University of Virginia • Department of Biology
Decoding How the Nervous System
Assembles, Adapts, and Heals
The Deppmann Lab investigates how the nervous system is built, maintained, and adapts to challenge — from the molecular signals that wire neural circuits to how the brain regulates metabolism. We believe great science happens when curious people are supported to ask bold questions.
A brain reward circuit inhibited by next-generation weight-loss drugs
Godschall, Gungul, Sajonia et al. map a central-amygdala circuit through which GLP-1 drugs suppress hedonic feeding — published in Nature.
Read the story → InteractiveBDNF Signaling Atlas
Explore 680,466 single cells responding to one neurotrophic signal.
Open the atlas → RecruitingJoin the lab
Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs are welcome to reach out.
See opportunities →What We Study
Research Themes
Our lab sits at the intersection of neuroscience, cell biology, and metabolism — using innovative tools to answer fundamental questions about the nervous system.
Neural Circuit Assembly
How do neurons compete for survival during development? We study the balance between protective neurotrophic signals and death-promoting TNF receptor signaling that sculpts neural circuits.
Learn more →Axon Degeneration
Axon pruning during development shares molecular machinery with neurodegenerative disease. We investigate death receptors, SARM1, and the signals that trigger axon destruction and repair.
Learn more →Brain & Metabolism
How does the brain regulate feeding behavior and energy balance? We study hypothalamic circuits, neurotrophic factor signaling in metabolism, and the neural basis of adaptive responses to caloric challenge.
Learn more →Long-Distance Signaling
Neurons can extend axons over a meter long. We study how survival signals travel from axon terminals back to the cell body through signaling endosomes and extracellular vesicles.
Learn more →Sensory Neuroscience
How does developmental signaling shape our perception of touch and pain? We investigate how TNF family members regulate sensory neuron properties and nociception throughout life.
Learn more →Technology Development
We build new tools for neuroscience, including magnetogenetics for remote neuronal activation and single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) for high-dimensional brain cell profiling.
Learn more →How We Work
Our Five Principles
These values guide everything we do — from how we design experiments to how we treat each other.
Integrity
Honest science, honest communication, honest relationships.
Courage
Ask the hard questions. Challenge assumptions — including your own.
Generous Collaboration
Share ideas freely. Lift others up. Science is a team sport.
Curious Humility
Stay curious. Stay humble. The best ideas come from listening.
Universal Access to Truth
Science belongs to everyone. We meet people where they are.
Featured Interactive Resource
BDNF Signaling Atlas
Explore how 20 distinct spinal cord cell types interpret a single neurotrophic signal. Interactive visualizations of 680,466 single cells across 18 signaling markers, from Sewell et al. 2026.
Explore the AtlasCurious About Joining?
We welcome scientists at all levels and from all backgrounds — undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs. If you're excited about understanding the nervous system, we'd love to hear from you.