Neuronal Structure and Function

Research Interests

We are interested in understanding how activity in the brain can lead to specific structural changes which may be important for learning, and how such changes affect connectivity within neural circuits. We are also interested in understanding how the structural diversity among neurons contributes to connectivity in the brain.

The current focus is on single neurons, even single spines, to understand the cellular mechanisms that are important for synaptic plasticity and learning. We use 2-photon microscopy to stimulate living spines (through the activation of caged glutamate), and then visualize structural changes (both in size and shape) in response to this stimulation. We look at how newly synthesized proteins contribute to these changes, and how activity at one site can lead to either cooperation or competition at nearby locations.

In addition, several mental retardation disorders in humans are characterized by abnormal spine morphology. Studying the relationship between structure and function in neurons from animal models of these diseases may help us to determine what leads to cognitive dysfunction in these disorders.

By combining molecular and genetic tools together with imaging and electrophysiological methodologies, we investigate how information is physically stored in the brain.

Group Members