Molecular Neurobiology

Synaptic Plasticity and Long-Term Potentiation

Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying activity-dependent synaptic strengthening and memory formation through NMDA and AMPA receptor dynamics.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Tau Protein Aggregation and Neurodegeneration

Study of pathological tau phosphorylation, misfolding, and propagation mechanisms in Alzheimer''s disease and tauopathies.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Amyloid Beta Processing and Clearance

Analysis of APP proteolysis, amyloid-beta generation, aggregation, and microglial-mediated clearance pathways in neuroinflammation.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Ion Channel Dysfunction in Epilepsy

Molecular characterization of genetic mutations affecting voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels causing seizure disorders.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

CRISPR Gene Editing in Neural Circuits

Development and application of CRISPR-Cas9 systems for precise genetic manipulation and functional interrogation of neuronal genes.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Dopamine Receptor Signaling and Movement Disorders

Examination of dopaminergic pathway dysregulation in Parkinson''s disease and the molecular basis of motor control.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Microglia Activation and Neuroinflammation

Investigation of microglial PRR signaling, cytokine production, and neuroinflammatory responses in neurodegeneration and infection.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Axonal Transport and Motor Proteins

Study of kinesin and dynein-mediated cargo transport mechanisms and their dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neuronal Disease

Analysis of oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and apoptotic pathways triggered by mitochondrial impairment in neurons.

Neurotrophic Factor Signaling and Survival

Molecular characterization of BDNF, NGF, and other growth factor cascades regulating neuronal survival and plasticity.

RNA Metabolism in Neurological Disease

Investigation of RNA binding proteins, splicing defects, and dysregulated translation in ALS and FTD pathogenesis.

Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Neuroprotection

Study of excessive glutamate receptor activation, calcium influx, and therapeutic strategies to prevent excitotoxic neuronal death.

GABAergic Interneuron Development and Function

Examination of GABAergic neuron specification, migration, and inhibitory circuit formation in cortical and subcortical regions.

Protein Ubiquitination and Proteostasis

Analysis of ubiquitin-proteasome system dysfunction and autophagy impairment in protein aggregation diseases.

Synaptic Vesicle Release and SNARE Complex

Molecular investigation of exocytosis machinery, SNARE protein function, and calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release mechanisms.

Astrocyte-Neuron Cross-Talk and Metabolism

Study of glial signaling, lactate shuttling, and metabolic coupling between astrocytes and neurons in synaptic function.

Epigenetic Regulation in Brain Development

Investigation of histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling controlling neuronal differentiation and identity.

Prion Protein Misfolding and Propagation

Analysis of PrP conformational conversion, cell-to-cell transmission, and prionopathy mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.

Calcium Signaling in Neuronal Excitability

Study of calcium homeostasis, intracellular release mechanisms, and calcium-dependent gene transcription in neurons.

Neurotransmitter Receptor Trafficking and Localization

Molecular characterization of receptor endocytosis, recycling, and membrane stabilization at postsynaptic sites.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense

Investigation of ROS generation, redox signaling, and neuronal antioxidant enzyme dysregulation in neurodegeneration.

Circadian Rhythm and Brain Aging

Study of clock gene mutations, circadian disruption, and age-related neurological dysfunction mechanisms.

Synaptic Pruning and Microglial Phagocytosis

Examination of C3 complement and fractalkine signaling mediating developmental and pathological synapse elimination.

Stem Cell Differentiation into Neural Lineages

Investigation of transcription factor networks and signaling cascades directing pluripotent stem cells toward neuronal fates.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling

Molecular analysis of BDNF-TrkB and p75NTR pathways regulating synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival.

Huntingtin Protein Aggregation and Toxicity

Study of polyglutamine expansion, mutant huntingtin misfolding, and neuronal dysfunction in Huntington''s disease.

Neuroinflammatory Cytokine Signaling Pathways

Analysis of IL-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 signaling cascades driving neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative conditions.

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Activity

Development of light-sensitive microbial opsins for optical control and interrogation of defined neural circuits.

Acetylcholine Receptor Function and Assembly

Molecular investigation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor clustering, stabilization, and synaptic localization mechanisms.

Protein Misfolding and ER Stress Response

Study of unfolded protein response, PERK-eIF2alpha signaling, and cellular adaptation to ER dysfunction in neurons.

Neuronal Migration and Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Investigation of actin and microtubule regulation controlling neuronal migration, axon guidance, and dendritic morphogenesis.

Serotonin Transporter and Mood Disorders

Analysis of SERT function, reuptake mechanisms, and genetic polymorphisms associated with depression and anxiety.

G-Protein Coupled Receptor Signal Transduction

Molecular characterization of GPCR activation, G-protein coupling, and downstream effector engagement in neuronal signaling.

Myelin Formation and Oligodendrocyte Biology

Study of myelin basic protein synthesis, myelin assembly, and oligodendrocyte differentiation in CNS myelination.

Postsynaptic Density Protein Organization

Investigation of PSD-95 scaffolding complexes and receptor anchoring mechanisms underlying synaptic efficacy.

Neuregulin and ErbB Receptor Signaling

Molecular analysis of neuregulin-mediated ErbB activation in neuronal development, myelination, and synaptic plasticity.

Adenosine Signaling and Sleep Homeostasis

Study of adenosine receptor activation, sleep-wake regulation, and neuroprotective roles of adenosine in brain.

Lysine Acetylation and Histone Deacetylase

Investigation of HDAC inhibitors, histone acetylation dynamics, and effects on neuronal gene expression and plasticity.

MicroRNA Biogenesis and Gene Silencing

Analysis of miRNA processing, RISC complex assembly, and post-transcriptional regulation in neuronal differentiation.

Notch Signaling in Neural Progenitor Fate

Study of Notch receptor-ligand interactions, Hes transcription factors, and neurogenesis-gliogenesis cell fate decisions.

Protein Kinase C Signaling in Neurons

Molecular characterization of PKC isoforms, membrane translocation, and roles in long-term depression and receptor phosphorylation.

Cholesterol Metabolism and Neurological Disease

Investigation of apolipoprotein E variants, cholesterol transport, and lipid raft organization in neurodegeneration.

Semaphorin and Plexin Axon Guidance

Study of repulsive axon guidance cues, plexin receptor signaling, and growth cone collapse mechanisms.

Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation Molecular Basis

Analysis of immediate early genes, protein synthesis, and synaptic remodeling during sleep-dependent memory processing.

Extracellular Matrix and Neural Plasticity

Molecular investigation of perineuronal nets, CSPG signaling, and extracellular matrix effects on synaptic transmission.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Signaling

Study of mGluR-G-protein coupling, IP3 and DAG signaling, and group-dependent effects on synaptic plasticity.

Schizophrenia-Associated Gene Networks

Investigation of DISC1, NRG1, and other susceptibility genes altering synaptic development and dopamine signaling.

Autophagy and Neuronal Proteostasis

Analysis of mTOR signaling, selective autophagy pathways, and roles in clearing neuronal protein aggregates.

Connexin Gap Junctions and Electrical Synapses

Study of connexin expression, gap junction assembly, and electrical coupling in neuronal synchronization and development.

Endocannabinoid System and Synaptic Regulation

Molecular characterization of cannabinoid receptor signaling, endocannabinoid synthesis, and retrograde signaling at synapses.

Phosphoproteomics and Signal Transduction Networks

Investigation of dynamic phosphorylation patterns across neuronal signaling cascades using mass spectrometry and computational modeling.

AMPA Receptor Trafficking and Synaptic Strength

Study of mechanisms regulating glutamate receptor insertion and removal at excitatory synapses to modulate synaptic transmission.

Neuropeptide Processing and Neuroendocrine Function

Examination of proprotein convertases and peptidergic signaling pathways controlling stress responses and homeostatic balance.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Neuronal Granules

Research on biomolecular condensates and membraneless organelles that regulate RNA storage and protein aggregation in neurons.

Voltage Sensor Proteins and Membrane Excitability

Characterization of voltage-sensing domains in ion channels and their role in neuronal action potential generation.

Lipid Raft Organization and Receptor Clustering

Investigation of sphingolipid and cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains in organizing signaling complexes at synapses.

Proteasome Subunit Assembly and Neuronal Protein Degradation

Study of 26S proteasome biogenesis and substrate specificity in removing misfolded proteins from neuronal cells.

Glutamate Receptor Subunit Composition and Pharmacology

Analysis of NMDAR and kainate receptor assembly variants and their distinct roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Axon Initial Segment Protein Assembly and Maintenance

Examination of ankyrin and spectrin-based scaffolds organizing ion channels and adhesion molecules at action potential initiation sites.

Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins in Neural Development

Investigation of Wnt pathway modulators and their roles in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity.

Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of Synaptic Proteins

Study of adaptor protein complexes and dynamin-dependent internalization of neurotransmitter receptors after synaptic activity.

Kinesin and Dynein Motor Protein Regulation

Research on cargo binding and molecular motor activation controlling bidirectional transport of organelles in axons and dendrites.

Postsynaptic Scaffold Protein-Protein Interactions

Analysis of PSD-95 family MAGUKs and their binding networks organizing neurotransmitter receptors and signaling enzymes.

LRRK2 Kinase Function and Parkinson Disease Pathogenesis

Investigation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 substrate specificity and neurotoxic mechanisms in dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Synaptotagmin-SNARE Complex Calcium Coupling

Study of calcium sensor proteins triggering neuronal exocytosis through conformational changes in SNARE assembly.

Cholecystokinin Receptor Signaling in Interneurons

Research on neuropeptide receptor coupled to G-proteins regulating GABAergic inhibitory transmission in cortical circuits.

Synaptic Anchor Proteins and Receptor Stabilization

Investigation of PDZ domain proteins immobilizing neurotransmitter receptors at postsynaptic sites for signal transduction.

Netrin and DCC Axon Guidance Molecular Mechanisms

Analysis of secreted guidance cues and their receptors directing axonal growth cone navigation and synapse formation.

Neuronal NOS and Nitric Oxide Signaling

Study of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and retrograde messenger function in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection.

Ephrin-Eph Bidirectional Signaling in Neural Development

Research on membrane-bound ligands and receptor tyrosine kinases controlling axon guidance and synaptic organization.

Dendritic Spine Morphology and Actin Dynamics

Investigation of Rho family GTPases and actin polymerization regulators controlling spine size and synaptic strength.

Kainate Receptor Heterodimerization and Trafficking

Study of ionotropic glutamate receptor assembly and surface expression regulation affecting excitatory neurotransmission.

Synaptobrevin-VAMP Fusion Protein Interactions

Analysis of v-SNARE interactions with t-SNAREs mediating synaptic vesicle docking and fusion machinery assembly.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Neural Patterning

Investigation of morphogen gradient formation and patched-smoothened signaling specifying neuronal cell fates during development.

Phosphatidylinositol Signaling in Neuronal Excitability

Study of PIP2 hydrolysis and second messenger generation controlling ion channel function and synaptic plasticity.

FoxP Family Transcription Factors in Brain Development

Research on Forkhead box proteins regulating developmental gene networks critical for cortical patterning and neurogenesis.

Reelin Signaling and Neuronal Lamination

Investigation of extracellular glycoprotein controlling neuronal positioning via lipoprotein receptor signaling during cortical development.

Presynaptic Calcium Channels and Neurotransmitter Release

Study of L-type and P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels triggering synaptic vesicle release machinery.

Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Neuronal Signaling

Research on TRP channel isoforms and their activation by temperature, osmolarity, and biochemical signals in neurons.

Complement Cascade Activation in Synapse Elimination

Investigation of C3 deposition and complement receptors mediating activity-dependent synaptic pruning in development.

Histone Methyltransferases and Chromatin Remodeling

Study of H3K4 and H3K9 methylation patterns regulating neuronal gene expression and epigenetic memory formation.

Thrombospondin Signaling in Synaptogenesis

Research on matricellular proteins promoting synapse formation through integrin and calreticulin receptor interactions.

Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Inactivation Mechanisms

Analysis of inactivation ball peptides and inactivation gate conformations regulating neuronal repolarization kinetics.

Neuronal Activity-Regulated Pentraxins and Plasticity

Investigation of secreted immune-like proteins enhancing synaptic strength and modulating AMPAR trafficking.

Brain-Specific Angiogenesis Inhibitor and Neuroprotection

Study of BAI proteins and their signaling in neuronal survival, axon outgrowth, and neuroinflammation control.

Neuroligin-Neurexin Trans-Synaptic Adhesion

Research on cell adhesion molecules mediating trans-synaptic signaling and synapse maturation and stabilization.

Casein Kinase 1 Delta and Circadian Period Regulation

Investigation of circadian clock kinases phosphorylating period proteins controlling brain sleep-wake architecture.

Striatal-Enriched Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Function

Study of STEP dephosphorylating Fyn and ERK regulating synaptic plasticity in dopaminergic circuits.

Aquaporin Water Channels in Brain Edema Prevention

Research on water channel proteins maintaining osmotic balance and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in neurological conditions.

Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Substrates and Functions

Investigation of novel LRRK2 phosphorylation targets involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicular trafficking.

Pannexin Hemichannels and Neuronal ATP Release

Study of purinergic signaling through large pore channels releasing nucleotides in neuroinflammatory responses.

Nogo Receptor and Axon Regeneration Inhibition

Research on myelin-associated inhibitors and NgR signaling blocking axonal outgrowth after spinal cord injury.

Zinc Finger Transcription Factors in Neural Specification

Investigation of Kruppel-like factors controlling neurogenic versus gliogenic cell fate decisions in neural progenitors.

Pannexin and Connexin Hemichannel Cross-Talk

Study of interactions between gap junction and volume-regulated channels in astrocytes and neurons.

Vesicular Glutamate Transporter Loading and Release

Analysis of VGLUT isoforms and their control of neurotransmitter content in glutamatergic synaptic vesicles.

Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein RNA Binding

Investigation of FMRP RNA-binding partners and translation suppression regulating synaptic plasticity and development.

Purkinje Cell Calcium Buffering and Cerebellar Function

Study of calbindin and parvalbumin regulation of intracellular calcium dynamics in cerebellar motor circuits.

Synaptosomal-Associated Protein Trafficking Machinery

Research on SNAP25 and its palmitoylation controlling presynaptic active zone assembly and neurotransmitter release.

Ankyrin Repeat Containing Ubiquitin Ligases Neurodegeneration

Investigation of AREL1 and related E3 ligases in protein quality control and neuronal survival.

Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer''s Disease Risk

Investigation of how APOE4 isoforms influence amyloid and tau pathology through lipid metabolism and neuroinflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer''s disease susceptibility.

LRRK2 Kinase Function and Parkinson''s Pathogenesis

Study of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 substrate phosphorylation and its role in mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Transactive Response DNA Binding Protein 43

Analysis of TDP-43 aggregation, nuclear export, and RNA binding dysregulation in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology.

Synaptic Activity-Dependent Histone Modifications

Investigation of how neuronal stimulation dynamically regulates histone acetylation and methylation patterns controlling experience-dependent gene expression and memory formation.

Proteasomal Degradation and Neuronal Quality Control

Study of ubiquitin-proteasome system substrate recognition and selective degradation mechanisms maintaining protein homeostasis in neurons under basal and stress conditions.

Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity Molecular Mechanisms

Characterization of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase and phosphatase signaling cascades mediating millisecond-timescale precision in synaptic strength modifications.

RNA-Binding Protein Aggregation in ALS

Investigation of how FUS and other RBP mutations promote aggregation and dysregulate RNA processing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons.

Neuropeptide Y Signaling in Feeding Circuits

Study of neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes and their integration in hypothalamic and hindbrain neural circuits controlling appetite and energy homeostasis.

Somatic Hypermutation and B Cell Receptor Diversity

Examination of how neuroimmune mechanisms in the meninges and perivascular spaces influence antibody responses and neurological autoimmunity development.

Heterotrimeric G Protein Cycling and Desensitization

Analysis of GTP hydrolysis kinetics and regulator of G protein signaling protein interactions determining receptor responsiveness in neuronal signaling.

Long Non-Coding RNA in Neuronal Differentiation

Investigation of lncRNA regulatory roles in chromatin remodeling and gene expression during neural progenitor commitment and neuronal maturation.

Vesicular Neurotransmitter Transporter Regulation

Study of VMAT and VGAT transporter trafficking, phosphorylation, and modulation affecting synaptic vesicle filling and neurotransmitter release dynamics.

Sodium-Potassium ATPase and Neuronal Energetics

Investigation of Na+/K+-ATPase pump function, isoform specificity, and signaling roles in maintaining neuronal membrane potential and metabolic homeostasis.

Conformational Dynamics of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Structural and biophysical characterization of desensitization, allosteric modulation, and permeation mechanisms in ionotropic glutamate and acetylcholine receptors.

Neuroinflammatory Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns

Study of how neurons release DAMPs during injury and how pattern recognition receptors on glia amplify neuroinflammatory responses in neurodegeneration.

Tropomyosin-Related Kinase B Isoform Signaling

Examination of full-length and truncated TrkB receptor differential activation of Ras-MAPK versus PI3K-Akt pathways in neuroprotection and synaptic strengthening.

Zinc Homeostasis and Neuronal Signal Transduction

Investigation of zinc transporter expression, intracellular zinc buffering, and zinc finger protein regulation in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival.

Complement System Activation in Neuroinflammation

Study of classical and alternative complement cascade activation, C3-C3aR signaling, and microglial priming in neurodegeneration and synapse elimination.

Presynaptic Active Zone Protein Assembly

Analysis of how RIM, ELKS, and other scaffolding proteins organize synaptic vesicle mobilization and calcium channel positioning for efficient release.

Astrocytic Glutamate Transporters and Excitotoxicity

Investigation of EAAT1/EAAT2 expression, trafficking, and loss-of-function mechanisms in glutamate clearance failure and excitotoxic neurodegeneration.

Circadian Clock Genes and Neuropsychiatric Disease

Study of CLOCK, BMAL1, and PER mutations affecting circadian gene expression and their contributions to mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction.

Organic Osmolyte Accumulation and Neuroprotection

Examination of taurine, betaine, and sorbitol transporter regulation and osmolyte-mediated protein stabilization in neuronal stress tolerance and survival.

Amyloid Oligomer Seeding and Prion-Like Transmission

Investigation of how small amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein oligomers propagate between neurons and seed aggregation in neurodegeneration.

GluN2 Subunit Trafficking and Pain Signaling

Study of NMDA receptor composition changes following peripheral injury and their role in central sensitization and chronic pain mechanisms.

Phosphoinositide Metabolism and Neuronal Signaling

Analysis of PIP2 hydrolysis, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate dynamics, and their regulation of ion channels and cytoskeletal rearrangement in neurons.

Menin Protein and Histone H3 Methylation

Investigation of menin-MLL complex function in maintaining histone methylation marks controlling neuronal gene expression and neural progenitor behavior.

Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor Signaling

Study of HB-EGF ectodomain shedding, ErbB receptor transactivation, and GPCR cross-talk in neuronal survival and synaptic remodeling.

Aquaporin Water Channels and Neuronal Osmolarity

Examination of aquaporin-4 expression in astrocytes and its role in water transport, astrocyte swelling, and brain edema during injury.

Caveolin-1 Nanodomains and Signal Compartmentalization

Investigation of lipid raft formation and receptor clustering in caveolar domains affecting neurotrophic factor signaling and neuroprotection.

Delta-Like and Jagged Ligand Notch Signaling

Study of trans-synaptic Notch pathway activation and CSL transcription factor recruitment in activity-dependent synaptic maintenance and plasticity.

Nucleocytoplasmic Transport and Neurodegeneration

Analysis of importin-mediated nuclear import defects and accumulation of cytoplasmic proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology.

S-Nitrosylation and Redox Signaling in Neurons

Investigation of nitric oxide-mediated cysteine modifications regulating receptor trafficking, kinase activity, and neuronal survival under physiological and pathological conditions.

Integrin Signaling and Astrocyte-Extracellular Matrix

Study of how integrin-ECM interactions activate focal adhesion kinase and regulate astrocyte morphology, migration, and inflammation in the brain.

Synaptotagmin-SNARE Complex Calcium Triggering

Characterization of how synaptotagmin calcium-binding domains allosterically activate SNARE proteins to trigger rapid neurotransmitter release at millisecond timescales.

Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated Protein 1 Signaling

Investigation of LGI1 secretion, ADAM22-ADAM23 modulation, and seizure susceptibility in temporal lobe epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis.

Metalloproteinase-Mediated Synaptogenic Protein Cleavage

Study of matrix metalloproteinase and ADAM protease substrate specificity in regulating neuroligin, neurexin, and integrin processing during synapse formation.

Secreted Phosphoprotein 24 and Myelin Assembly

Analysis of SPP24 autocrine signaling and galectin-3 interactions promoting oligodendrocyte maturation and CNS myelin formation and maintenance.

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtypes in Learning

Examination of M1 and M4 receptor differential coupling to phospholipase C and Gi proteins in cholinergic enhancement of memory and attention.

Purinergic P2X Receptor Ion Channel Gating

Investigation of ATP binding, conformational changes, and ion selectivity mechanisms in P2X receptor channels mediating immune and synaptic signaling.

Dorsal Root Ganglion Sensory Neuron Development

Study of NGF-TrkA signaling, Runx1 transcription factor, and lineage commitment determining nociceptor versus mechanoreceptor differentiation.

Neuronal Fatty Acid Oxidation and Ketogenesis

Investigation of CPT1-mediated mitochondrial fatty acid uptake and ketone body metabolism in neuronal energy homeostasis and neuroprotection.

Contactin-Associated Protein and Paranodal Junctions

Analysis of caspr, contactin, and neurofascin trans-synaptic interactions organizing nodes of Ranvier and maintaining saltatory conduction fidelity.

Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Targets

Study of FMRP mRNA binding specificity, translational repression mechanisms, and targets dysregulated in fragile X syndrome-associated intellectual disability.

Phosphodiesterase Isoforms and cAMP Signaling

Examination of PDE type-specific expression, subcellular localization, and substrate hydrolysis determining compartmentalized cAMP signaling dynamics in neurons.

Spastin and Microtubule Severing in Axonal Integrity

Investigation of AAA-ATPase spastin mutations, microtubule dynamics alterations, and axonal degeneration in hereditary spastic paraplegia pathogenesis.

Calcineurin Phosphatase Substrate Dephosphorylation

Analysis of calcium-calmodulin-dependent calcineurin catalytic specificity for CREB, NFAT, and other substrates in long-term depression and memory extinction.

Ankyrin and Beta-Spectrin Cytoskeletal Scaffolds

Investigation of ankyrin-G and spectrin lattice assembly organizing axon initial segment ion channels and maintaining neuronal polarity.

Rho-GTPase Effectors and Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis

Study of Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA downstream effectors controlling actin polymerization, spine enlargement, and synaptic strength in long-term potentiation.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in RNA Granules

Investigates biomolecular condensate formation and dynamics in neuronal stress granules and P-bodies that regulate mRNA metabolism and translation during cellular stress.

Amyloid Oligomer Cytotoxicity and Membrane Disruption

Examines the molecular mechanisms by which soluble amyloid oligomers permeabilize neuronal membranes and trigger calcium dysregulation and cell death.

Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel and Neuroapoptosis

Studies the role of mitochondrial outer membrane VDAC in controlling apoptotic signaling pathways and neuronal cell death execution.

RNA Thermosensors and Temperature-Dependent Gene Expression

Explores how neuronal mRNAs and regulatory RNAs sense temperature changes and modulate translation and stability in response to thermal stress.

Synaptosomal Proteomics and Synaptic Composition Mapping

Applies mass spectrometry and proteomic approaches to comprehensively map protein composition and modifications within isolated synaptosomal compartments.

NaV1.6 Sodium Channel Clustering at Nodes of Ranvier

Investigates the molecular mechanisms governing sodium channel ankyrin-G interactions and spatial organization at myelinated axon initial segments.

PTEN and PI3K Signaling in Neuronal Growth Cone Guidance

Examines phosphatidylinositol metabolism regulation and its role in steering axonal growth cones during neural circuit formation.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Neuronal Receptor Complexes

Uses cryo-EM structural biology techniques to resolve atomic-level architecture of native NMDAR, AMPAR, and other synaptic receptor assemblies.

Nrf2-Keap1 Redox Sensing and Neuronal Antioxidant Response

Studies the molecular redox sensor system controlling antioxidant gene expression and cellular protection against oxidative neurotoxicity.

RNA m6A Methylation in Neuronal Development and Plasticity

Investigates N6-methyladenosine modifications on neuronal mRNAs and their effects on translation, localization, and synaptic protein synthesis.

Dorsal Root Ganglion Neuropeptide Y Signaling

Examines NPY receptor-mediated pain modulation and nociceptor sensitization in peripheral sensory neurons.

Phospholipase C Delta and Inositol Signaling in Neurons

Studies the PLC-IP3-diacylglycerol signaling cascade in neuronal calcium mobilization and second messenger systems.

Synapsin Phosphorylation and Synaptic Vesicle Mobilization

Investigates how kinase-mediated phosphorylation of synapsin proteins regulates vesicle pool dynamics and neurotransmitter availability.

Purinergic P2X Receptor Ion Channel Biophysics

Examines structural dynamics and gating mechanisms of ATP-activated ion channels in neuroinflammatory responses.

Neuronal Lamin A/C and Nuclear Architecture Disease

Studies how laminopathy-associated mutations disrupt nuclear organization in neurons and cause neurodegenerative phenotypes.

Retrograde Signaling from Mitochondria to Nucleus

Investigates how neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction communicates with nuclear gene expression through signaling cascades.

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling in Neuroinflammation

Examines S1P receptor-mediated immune cell trafficking and blood-brain barrier integrity in neuroinflammatory disorders.

Synaptotagmin-SNARE Interaction and Release Synchrony

Studies calcium sensor function and precise temporal coordination of neurotransmitter release at millisecond timescales.

Protocadherin-Mediated Homophilic Cell Adhesion Networks

Examines clustered protocol cadherins in establishing neuronal cell identity and synaptic specificity during development.

Phosphoinositide Binding Domains in Signal Transduction

Studies PH and PX domain interactions with membrane lipids in recruiting signaling proteins to subcellular compartments.

Rab GTPases and Synaptic Vesicle Recycling Pathways

Investigates small GTPase regulation of vesicle tethering, fusion, and endocytic recycling at presynaptic terminals.

Neuropilin-Semaphorin Co-Receptor Signaling Axis

Examines molecular mechanisms of repulsive and attractive axon guidance through class III semaphorin signaling.

Sodium-Calcium Exchanger NCX and Neuronal Calcium Homeostasis

Studies bidirectional NCX activity in regulating intracellular calcium and protecting against calcium overload toxicity.

Integrin-Mediated Extracellular Matrix Signaling in Plasticity

Investigates how integrin-ECM interactions activate FAK-Src cascades controlling dendritic spine dynamics and synaptic strength.

Sphingomyelinase and Ceramide-Induced Neuroapoptosis

Examines lipid second messenger signaling through ceramide in triggering neuronal death programs.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Pre-mRNA Splicing

Studies activity-dependent alternative splicing of BDNF transcripts and production of pro-BDNF versus mature BDNF isoforms.

Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity and Quantal Size

Investigates molecular mechanisms maintaining synaptic strength by adjusting neurotransmitter release probability and vesicle content.

LRRK2 Kinase and Lysosomal Dysfunction in Parkinsonism

Examines how LRRK2 mutations impair autophagy-lysosomal pathway function and cause selective dopamine neuron degeneration.

Contactin-Associated Protein Complexes at Nodes of Ranvier

Studies transsynaptic adhesion complex assembly and maintenance of axonal initial segment and node protein organization.

Chloride Transporters and GABAergic Signaling Switch

Investigates KCC2 and NKCC1 regulation during development determining whether GABA is depolarizing or hyperpolarizing.

Reactive Astrocyte Proteome and Neuroinflammatory Phenotype

Maps proteomic and transcriptomic changes in activated astrocytes and their contribution to neuroinflammatory disease progression.

Histone Phosphorylation and Immediate Early Gene Transcription

Studies rapid histone kinase-mediated epigenetic modifications controlling activity-dependent c-fos and Arc gene induction.

Kinesin Family Motor Proteins and Axonal Cargo Distribution

Investigates selective cargo binding and anterograde transport mechanisms of different kinesin isoforms in long-distance axonal trafficking.

Secretase Complex Assembly and Amyloid Precursor Protein

Examines presenilin-mediated gamma-secretase complex stoichiometry and catalytic mechanism in pathogenic APP cleavage.

Neuroligin-Neurexin Transsynaptic Adhesion Molecules

Studies how alternatively spliced neurexins interact with postsynaptic neuroligins to specify synapse type and function.

Complement Component C3 and Synaptic Tagging System

Investigates how complement deposition and C3aR signaling tag weak synapses for pruning during experience-dependent refinement.

FoxP1 Transcription Factor in Language and Motor Networks

Examines FoxP1 target genes and their roles in establishing neural circuits underlying speech and motor control.

Parkin-Mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control

Studies E3 ubiquitin ligase function of Parkin in targeting depolarized mitochondria for selective autophagy elimination.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Allosteric Modulation

Investigates allosteric site pharmacology and conformational dynamics of mGluR modulation by positive and negative allosteric modulators.

PACS1 and AP-1 Adaptin Trafficking Interactions

Examines phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein regulation of endosomal-Golgi retrograde transport of neuronal signaling proteins.

Tau Phosphorylation Sites and Microtubule Binding

Studies how kinase-specific tau phosphorylation reduces microtubule stabilization and promotes neurodegenerative aggregation.

Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Neuronal Sensing

Investigates TRP channel function in detecting thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli in sensory neurons.

Ankyrin G and Axon Initial Segment Protein Assembly

Studies how ankyrin G scaffolds organize sodium channels, potassium channels, and cell adhesion molecules at AIS.

DLG Family SAP102 and AMPAR Trafficking Regulation

Examines how SAP102-mediated AMPAR recruitment differs from PSD-95 pathways in developing versus mature synapses.

Reelin Signaling and Radial Migration in Cortical Development

Investigates Reelin protein secretion, lipoprotein receptor binding, and Dab1 adaptor signaling in neuronal positioning.

Ubiquilin and Proteasomal Substrate Targeting

Studies ubiquilin adaptor proteins in ferrying polyubiquitinated neuronal substrates to the proteasome for degradation.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Neuronal Condensates

Investigation of biomolecular condensate formation and organization in neurons, focusing on how phase separation regulates synaptic protein assembly, RNA localization, and signaling hub dynamics in health and disease.

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling in Cognition

Examines M1 and M3 receptor activation of phospholipase C and calcium signaling in cholinergic enhancement of learning.

Stromal Interaction Molecule and Store-Operated Calcium Entry

Investigates STIM-Orai channel coupling mechanism mediating endoplasmic reticulum store depletion signals in neurons.

Splice Variant Diversity in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Examination of alternative splicing patterns and their dysregulation in autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia, determining how splice variants alter neuronal protein function and circuit connectivity.

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Intercellular Communication

Study of exosome and microvesicle cargo transfer between neurons, glia, and peripheral tissues in mediating synaptic signaling, protein propagation, and pathological spreading in neurodegeneration.

Phosphatidylserine Externalization and Neuronal Apoptosis

Studies scramblase-mediated lipid flipping and phosphatidylserine recognition as an eat-me signal in apoptotic neurons.

Phosphoproteomics and Kinase Signaling Networks in Cognition

Comprehensive mapping of phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascades regulating memory formation, learning consolidation, and cognitive flexibility through integrated proteomics and systems biology approaches.