Neural Stability & Plasticity
The fact that you can read and potentially remember these words depends on stable, and yet plastic neural function. How can the most complex and dynamic system - the nervous system - function robustly while providing the basis for adaptive behavior?
Mission
We aim to discover mechanisms mediating stable, and yet plastic neural function.
Focus
Our research focuses on identifying molecular mechanisms stabilizing synaptic transmission through a process termed homeostatic plasticity. A new line of research revolves around homeostatic regulation of neural excitability and links to neural disease.
Questions
- What are the links between the homeostatic regulation of protein abundance, or ‘proteostasis’, and homeostatic plasticity?
- Which mechanisms regulate trans-synaptic nano-architecture during homeostatic plasticity?
- How is synapse formation robustly specified at the subcellular level in CNS axons?
- Which mechanisms underlie rapid homeostatic stabilization of CNS circuit function?
- How does homeostatic control of neural excitability relate to neural pathology?