Research
Generation and repair of neural circuits
Appointments
- Assistant Professor, Brain Research Institute
- Member, Neuroscience GPB Home Area
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Neurobiology
Appointments
Dr. Butler is focused on determining how neurons translate morphogens, such as the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family of growth factors, over time to mediate strikingly different processes in the generation of neural circuits. During the course of these studies, she identified a critical mechanism by which the rate of axon outgrowth is controlled during development.
The Butler laboratory is now examining how this process can be harnessed to accelerate axon growth in a regenerative context to stimulate the repair of neural circuits. The successful implementation of this technology could result in significantly improved recovery times for patients with damaged nervous systems.
Publications
- Ashton, CJ, Martinelli, J, Camorali, S, Berki, TR, Managh, AJ, Sofroniou, C et al.. A Modular Core-Shell Nanoparticle Platform for Dual-Modal MRI-Luminescence With High Relaxivity. Small. 2026; :e74389. doi: 10.1002/smll.74389. PubMed PMID:42397168 .
- Rehman, U, Mewes, JM, Butler, SJ, Plasser, F. Determination of structures and binding energies of europium(III) complexes bound to biologically relevant anions. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2026;28 (25):15087-15100. doi: 10.1039/d6cp00457a. PubMed PMID:42299975 .
- Butler, SJ, Ning, T, Balaci, GA, Li, T, Tse, SM, Digby, G et al.. A Conversation Aid for Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing. Chest. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2026.06.005. PubMed PMID:42297235 .
- Siu, C, Butler, SJ. Advances in lanthanide probes for selective anion recognition and sensing in water. Chem Sci. 2026; :. doi: 10.1039/d6sc00878j. PubMed PMID:42273549 PubMed Central PMC13249098.
- Butler, SJ, Digby, GC, Roy, C, Tse, SM, Sajwani, S, Hubick, J et al.. Understanding inhaler users' perceptions of climate change and inhaler carbon footprints: insights from a Canadian survey. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2026;13 (1):. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2025-003880. PubMed PMID:42103366 PubMed Central PMC13157745.