Molecular Neuroscience

Synaptic Plasticity and Long-term Potentiation Mechanisms

Investigation of molecular pathways underlying activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength and AMPA receptor trafficking during learning and memory consolidation.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Tau Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Disease

Elucidation of tau hyperphosphorylation mechanisms and prion-like propagation of tau pathology in Alzheimer''s disease and tauopathies.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

CRISPR-Based Gene Editing in Neural Circuits

Development and optimization of CRISPR-Cas9 and base-editing approaches for precise modification of disease-associated genes in neural tissue.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Neurotrophic Factor Signaling and Neuroprotection

Examination of BDNF, NGF, and GDNF signaling cascades in neuronal survival, differentiation, and therapeutic applications for neurodegeneration.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Protein Misfolding and Neuroinflammation Crosstalk

Study of how amyloid-beta, alpha-synuclein, and tau aggregates activate microglial immune responses and propagate neuroinflammatory cascades.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Ion Channel Dysfunction in Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Analysis of sodium, potassium, and calcium channel mutations and their roles in excitability imbalance and seizure pathophysiology.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson''s Disease Pathogenesis

Investigation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, Complex I dysfunction, and oxidative stress in dopaminergic neuron degeneration.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

Glial Cell Heterogeneity and Astrocytic Signaling

Characterization of diverse astrocyte populations and their calcium-dependent regulation of synaptic transmission and neuroinflammation.

RESEARCH GAP FRONTIERS

MicroRNA Regulation of Neuronal Gene Expression

Functional analysis of miRNA biogenesis and their target interactions in controlling neuronal development, plasticity, and disease susceptibility.

Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Molecular investigation of glutamatergic and GABAergic dysfunction underlying the E/I imbalance hypothesis in autism pathophysiology.

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits

Development of light-activated ion channels and pumps for precise temporal control and functional mapping of neural circuit components.

Amyloid-Beta Oligomerization and Synaptotoxicity

Characterization of soluble amyloid-beta oligomers and their mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction preceding plaque formation.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Single Neural Cells

Application of single-cell RNA-sequencing to dissect neuronal and glial heterogeneity, cell-type-specific transcriptomes, and disease-associated changes.

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Synaptic Plasticity

Study of matrix metalloproteinase activity, perineuronal nets, and ECM protein interactions in regulating circuit refinement and memory.

Epigenetic Modification in Neurological Disease Progression

Investigation of histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling in disease-relevant gene silencing and expression changes.

Proteostasis and the Unfolded Protein Response in Neurons

Analysis of ER stress responses, proteasomal degradation, and autophagy pathways critical for maintaining neuronal protein homeostasis.

Molecular Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Neurotoxicity

Elucidation of how pharmaceutical compounds and recreational drugs damage neural tissue through mitochondrial, oxidative, or excitotoxic mechanisms.

G-Protein Coupled Receptor Signaling in Neuropathic Pain

Characterization of GPCR-mediated intracellular cascades in peripheral sensory neurons and spinal cord contributing to pain amplification.

Stem Cell Differentiation Into Functional Neurons

Development of directed differentiation protocols and molecular analysis of developmental signals governing iPSC-to-neuron conversion.

Compartmentalized Translation in Axons and Dendrites

Investigation of local protein synthesis machinery and regulatory mechanisms supporting spatially-restricted synaptic protein production.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption in Neuropsychiatric Disease

Molecular analysis of clock gene mutations and their contributions to mood, sleep, and cognitive symptoms in psychiatric conditions.

Prion-Like Propagation of Neurodegenerative Pathology

Study of protein misfolding amplification and cell-to-cell transmission mechanisms in alpha-synuclein and TDP-43 spreading.

Synaptic Pruning and Complement-Mediated Refinement

Examination of complement cascade activation in tagging and eliminating excess synapses during development and in neuropsychiatric disease.

Neuroinflammatory Cytokine Signaling Pathways

Investigation of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1-beta mediated immune signaling and their contributions to neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction.

Calcium Dysregulation in Neuronal Excitotoxicity

Analysis of Ca2+ overload mechanisms through NMDA receptors and voltage-gated channels, and downstream cascades triggering neuronal death.

Surface Receptor Trafficking and Endosomal Sorting

Study of AMPA, NMDA, and dopamine receptor internalization, recycling, and degradation pathways regulating synaptic composition.

Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Tight Junction Dynamics

Investigation of claudin, occludin, and ZO-protein expression changes affecting BBB permeability in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Polyglutamine Expansion Diseases and Molecular Toxicity

Characterization of huntingtin, ataxin, and androgen receptor polyglutamine-mediated neuronal dysfunction and aggregation pathways.

Lipid Metabolism and Myelin Maintenance in Oligodendrocytes

Study of cholesterol synthesis, lipid trafficking, and proteolipid protein expression critical for myelin formation and stability.

Motor Protein Dysfunction in Axonal Transport Disorders

Analysis of kinesin and dynein mutations and their roles in impaired cargo transport in hereditary spastic paraplegia and ALS.

Adenosine Signaling and Neuroinflammatory Resolution

Investigation of A1 and A2A receptor-mediated purinergic signaling in dampening neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection.

Phosphatase Dysregulation in Cognitive Disorders

Study of PP2A, PP2B, and other phosphatase activity changes affecting kinase signaling in Alzheimer''s disease and intellectual disability.

Splice Variant Expression in Motor Neuron Disease

Analysis of splicing defects in SMN, FUS, and TARDBP genes and therapeutic targeting of splicing machinery in ALS.

Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Addiction Circuitry

Molecular investigation of dopamine receptor signaling, DARPP-32 phosphorylation, and synaptic changes underlying substance use disorders.

RNA Editing and Transcript Recoding in Neural Function

Study of ADAR-mediated adenosine-to-inosine editing affecting glutamate and serotonin receptor properties and neuronal excitability.

Nrf2 Pathway Activation in Oxidative Stress Defense

Investigation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling and antioxidant response elements in neuroprotection strategies.

Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Modulation in Neurotransmission

Characterization of L, N, P/Q-type calcium channels and their regulation of neurotransmitter release and dendritic calcium signaling.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling in Neurogenesis

Study of VEGF receptor activation in promoting neuronal and endothelial cell proliferation in adult neurogenic niches.

Proteasomal Impairment and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Dysfunction

Analysis of E3 ligase mutations and proteasomal dysfunction in neurodegeneration, particularly in Parkinson''s and Alzheimer''s disease.

Cholesterol Metabolism and Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing

Investigation of lipid raft organization and apolipoprotein interactions regulating APP proteolysis and amyloid-beta generation.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Signaling in Synaptic Consolidation

Study of mGluR-mediated intracellular cascades controlling protein synthesis and long-term depression in memory formation.

Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake and Neuronal Energy Homeostasis

Examination of MCU complex function and its effects on ATP production, ROS generation, and neuronal viability under stress.

Neuropeptide Signaling in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Analysis of CRH, NPY, and AgRP signaling in stress response regulation and connections to depression and anxiety disorders.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Neuronal Condensates

Investigation of biomolecular condensate formation and dissolution mechanisms in regulating gene expression and translation efficiency.

TLR Signaling and Pattern Recognition in Neuroinflammation

Study of toll-like receptor activation by danger-associated molecular patterns and subsequent NF-kB-mediated immune gene expression.

Schizophrenia Risk Variants and Synaptic Architecture

Molecular analysis of DISC1, NRG1, and ERB4 gene variants affecting dendritic spine development and glutamatergic signaling.

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Microglial Activation and Priming

Characterization of TLR4 signaling cascades leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine release and microglial-mediated neuroinflammation.

Astrocyte-Derived Exosomes in Neuroinflammatory Disease

Investigation of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication between astrocytes and neurons in propagating neuroinflammatory signals.

GABAergic Interneuron Development and Circuit Assembly

Study of migration, differentiation, and synaptic integration of inhibitory interneurons derived from ganglionic eminences.

Sphingolipid Metabolism in Myelin and Signal Transduction

Analysis of ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and ganglioside synthesis and their roles in signaling and structural integrity.

NMDA Receptor Subunit Composition and Excitotoxicity

Investigation of how differential NMDA receptor subunit assembly regulates calcium influx and contributes to excitotoxic neuronal death in stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Synaptic Vesicle Recycling and Neurotransmitter Availability

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms governing synaptic vesicle endocytosis, reformation, and recycling to maintain sustained neurotransmitter release capacity.

SNARE Complex Dynamics in Membrane Fusion Events

Structural and mechanistic characterization of soluble NSF attachment protein receptor protein interactions during presynaptic vesicle docking and fusion processes.

Huntingtin Protein Aggregation and Proteolytic Cleavage

Analysis of how caspase and calpain-mediated cleavage of mutant huntingtin promotes pathological aggregation and neuronal toxicity in Huntington''s disease.

Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Function

Investigation of FMRP''s role in regulating translation of synaptic plasticity genes and modulation of dendritic spine morphology in fragile X syndrome.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Neuroprotection

Examination of HDAC inhibitor-mediated chromatin remodeling and enhanced neuroprotective gene expression in neurodegenerative disease models.

Olfactory Receptor Signaling in Axonal Navigation

Discovery of how olfactory receptors expressed on growth cones guide axonal pathfinding through chemotropic signaling mechanisms independent of olfaction.

Adenosine Triphosphate Release and Purinergic Signaling

Characterization of ATP release mechanisms from neurons and glia and P2X/P2Y receptor-mediated signaling in synaptic modulation and glial responses.

Postsynaptic Density Protein Interactions and Clustering

Molecular mapping of PSD scaffold protein assembly and organization of neurotransmitter receptors at synaptic membranes through multivalent interactions.

Retrograde Signaling at the Neuromuscular Junction

Investigation of muscle-derived signals that regulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release and motor neuron survival in developmental and adult stages.

Aquaporin Water Channel Function in Brain Edema

Elucidation of aquaporin-4 dysfunction in blood-brain barrier failure and cytotoxic/vasogenic edema formation following ischemic or traumatic brain injury.

KCC2 Potassium Chloride Cotransporter Regulation

Analysis of developmental and activity-dependent changes in KCC2 expression and phosphorylation controlling GABAergic inhibition polarity in neurons.

Pannexin and Connexin Gap Junction Communication

Investigation of hemichannel and connexin-mediated intercellular communication in neuroinflammation, spreading depression, and glial-neuronal metabolic coupling.

Apolipoprotein E Genotype and Alzheimer''s Pathology

Mechanistic study of how APOE4 variants alter amyloid-beta clearance, tau pathology propagation, and neuroinflammation susceptibility in Alzheimer''s disease.

Presenilin Catalytic Activity and Gamma-Secretase Function

Structural characterization of presenilin-mediated intramembranous proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein and Notch signaling in neurogenesis and neurodegeneration.

Dendritic Spine Density Dynamics and Experience-Dependent Plasticity

Analysis of molecular signals controlling spine formation, stabilization, and elimination in response to sensory experience and learning paradigms.

Reelin Signaling and Cortical Lamination Development

Investigation of secreted reelin glycoprotein interactions with lipoprotein receptors to guide neuronal migration and establish cortical layering architecture.

Semaphorin-Plexin Axon Repulsion Mechanisms

Molecular characterization of semaphorin ligand binding to plexin receptors and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades mediating axonal collapse and guidance.

Netrin Receptor Signaling in Axonal Attraction

Examination of netrin binding to deleted in colorectal cancer and uncoordinated-5 receptors in guiding axons toward midline targets during development.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Neuroprotection

Analysis of PPAR-gamma-mediated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in microglia and astrocytes through transrepression of pro-inflammatory gene programs.

Transient Receptor Potential Channel Calcium Signaling

Investigation of TRP channel subtypes in neuronal calcium homeostasis, pain signaling, and temperature sensation transduction mechanisms.

Serotonin Transporter Polymorphisms and Depression

Functional characterization of serotonin transporter genetic variants affecting monoamine reuptake capacity and antidepressant drug responsiveness.

Norepinephrine Transporter and Attention Regulation

Molecular study of norepinephrine reuptake mechanisms in prefrontal cortex controlling attention and arousal through alpha and beta adrenergic signaling.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and Cognitive Enhancement

Characterization of cholinesterase inhibitor mechanisms prolonging synaptic acetylcholine availability and cognitive benefits in Alzheimer''s disease therapeutics.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Neurodegeneration Prevention

Investigation of how MAO inhibition reduces oxidative stress from monoamine catabolism and prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson''s disease.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Memory Consolidation

Analysis of BDNF signaling through tropomyosin receptor kinase B in activity-dependent synaptic strengthening and long-term memory formation.

Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Survival

Characterization of NGF binding to p75 neurotrophin receptor and TrkA kinase, triggering survival versus apoptotic pathways in sensory neurons.

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Parkinsonism

Investigation of GDNF neuroprotective mechanisms in dopaminergic neurons and clinical applications in Parkinson''s disease therapeutic development.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Synaptic Scaling

Elucidation of TNF-alpha signaling through TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors in homeostatic synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammatory disease mechanisms.

Interleukin-6 Trans-Signaling in Neuroinflammation

Analysis of soluble IL-6 receptor-mediated signaling through gp130 in perpetuating chronic neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Converting Enzyme and Shedding

Investigation of ADAM17 protease-mediated ectodomain shedding of neurotrophic receptors and inflammatory mediators in neuroinflammatory disease.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Substrate Specificity in CNS

Characterization of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteolytic cleavage of synaptic proteins, blood-brain barrier components, and neuroinflammatory mediators.

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases in Neuroprotection

Analysis of TIMP expression and regulation of metalloproteinase activity in preserving synaptic architecture and blood-brain barrier integrity.

Thrombospondin and Synaptic Assembly in Development

Investigation of astrocyte-secreted thrombospondin binding to neuronal receptors to promote synaptogenesis and synaptic stabilization.

Clusterin Chaperone Function in Proteostasis

Characterization of clusterin''s role in sequestering misfolded proteins and facilitating clearance in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer''s pathology.

Heat Shock Protein 70 Neuroprotection Mechanisms

Analysis of HSP70-mediated protein refolding, disaggregation, and ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation in preventing neuronal proteotoxicity.

Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in Neuronal Protein Clearance

Investigation of LAMP2A-mediated selective autophagy of cytoplasmic proteins including alpha-synuclein in maintaining neuronal protein quality control.

Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway in Neurodegeneration

Elucidation of mTOR regulation of macroautophagy and lysosomal enzyme biogenesis in clearance of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disease.

Lipid Peroxidation and Ferroptosis in Brain Injury

Investigation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic neuronal death in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegeneration.

NAD+ Metabolism and Sirtuin Signaling in Aging

Analysis of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase sirtuins in regulating mitochondrial function, stress resistance, and neuronal survival during aging.

Poly ADP-Ribosylation in DNA Damage Response

Characterization of PARP-mediated poly ADP-ribosylation in neurons responding to DNA damage and excitotoxic stress.

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Vascular Dysfunction

Investigation of amyloid-beta deposition in cerebral blood vessels causing endothelial dysfunction and microhemorrhage in Alzheimer''s disease.

Pericyte Dysfunction and Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown

Analysis of pericyte coverage loss and loss of tight junction maintenance in neuroinflammatory disease and neurodegeneration.

Angiogenic Factor Signaling in Neurorepair

Investigation of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor signaling promoting angiogenesis and neuroprotection after injury.

Purkinje Cell Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Molecular characterization of polyglutamine expansion-induced toxicity and selective degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells in ataxia pathogenesis.

Superior Colliculus Development and Topographic Mapping

Investigation of molecular guidance cues establishing retinocollicular projection maps through activity-dependent and molecular matching mechanisms.

Myelination Dynamics and Oligodendrocyte Maturation

Analysis of molecular signals regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation from neural progenitors and myelin wrapping around axons for saltatory conduction.

Remyelination Failure in Multiple Sclerosis

Investigation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell recruitment failure and differentiation blockade preventing remyelination in chronic multiple sclerosis lesions.

Schwann Cell Plasticity and Peripheral Nerve Repair

Characterization of dedifferentiation and phenotypic switching in Schwann cells promoting axonal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.

Neuronal Growth Cone Dynamics and Actin Remodeling

Analysis of actin polymerization machinery including Arp2/3 complex and formins driving growth cone motility and neurite extension.

RNA G-Quadruplex Structures in Neuronal Regulation

Investigation of guanine-rich RNA secondary structures that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in neurons.

Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway in Neurodegeneration

Study of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy dysregulation in clearing pathological protein aggregates.

Bioactive Lipid Mediators in Neuroprotection

Examination of specialized pro-resolving mediators and their role in terminating neuroinflammatory responses.

Neuron-Microglia Interaction Through Fractalkine Signaling

Analysis of CX3CL1-CX3CR1 chemokine interactions regulating microglial surveillance and neuronal protection.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Cognitive Enhancement

Research on HDAC modulation as a therapeutic strategy for improving memory formation and synaptic function.

Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein Functions

Study of Arc/Arg3.1 protein''s role in AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic consolidation.

Neuronal Primary Cilia and Sonic Hedgehog Signaling

Investigation of ciliary-mediated Shh pathway activation in neural development and adult neurogenesis.

Ferroptosis as Novel Neuronal Death Mechanism

Characterization of iron-dependent cell death pathways distinct from apoptosis in neurodegeneration.

Neuregulin-ErbB Signaling in Myelination

Molecular analysis of Nrg1-ErbB receptor interactions controlling oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin formation.

Ketone Body Metabolism in Neuroprotection

Study of beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate signaling in neuronal energy metabolism and stress resistance.

Post-Translational Modification of Tau Protein

Investigation of phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation sites regulating tau pathology.

Glutamate Transporter Regulation and Excitotoxicity

Analysis of EAAT1 and EAAT2 dysfunction in stroke and neurodegeneration.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Splicing Variants

Examination of activity-dependent BDNF transcript variants and their distinct signaling outcomes.

Perineuronal Net Composition and Synaptic Plasticity

Study of proteoglycan and lectin-containing extracellular matrix structures regulating critical period plasticity.

Neuronal Exosome Biogenesis and Cargo Sorting

Investigation of small extracellular vesicle formation and selective loading of proteins and nucleic acids.

Astrocytic Calcium Waves and Network Communication

Analysis of IP3-mediated calcium signaling coordinating astrocyte-to-astrocyte and astrocyte-to-neuron coupling.

Nucleotide Excision Repair in Postmitotic Neurons

Study of DNA damage response pathways in neurons and their contribution to neurodegeneration.

Actin Polymerization Dynamics at Dendritic Spines

Investigation of cofilin and formin-mediated actin remodeling during activity-dependent spine enlargement.

Interferon Signaling in Antiviral Neural Immunity

Characterization of type I and type III interferon responses in neuronal and glial cells.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibition in Memory Restoration

Study of cAMP and cGMP signaling modulation through PDE inhibitors for cognitive therapies.

Neuronal Circadian Oscillator Molecular Clock

Investigation of CLOCK, BMAL1, and PER protein interactions driving autonomous neuronal timekeeping.

Serine Protease Inhibitors in Neuroprotection

Analysis of anticoagulants and protease-activated receptor antagonism in neuroinflammatory diseases.

Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling at Synapses

Study of 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide-mediated presynaptic plasticity and synaptic depression.

Schwann Cell Myelination and Axonal Ensheathment

Molecular analysis of myelin basic protein and peripheral nerve myelination signals.

Serotonin Transporter Trafficking and Reuptake

Investigation of SERT internalization and recycling in depression and SSRI response.

Senescent Cell Clearance in Aged Brain

Study of p16-positive cell accumulation and senolytic therapeutic strategies in neurodegeneration.

Aquaporin Water Channel Function in Brain Edema

Characterization of AQP4 water transport in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and hydrocephalus.

Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B-Mediated Survival

Analysis of TrkB-PLCgamma and TrkB-PI3K signaling cascades in neuronal differentiation.

Neuroinflammatory Priming in Systemic Infection

Investigation of peripheral lipopolysaccharide sensitization enhancing central nervous system inflammation.

Purinergic P2X and P2Y Receptor Signaling

Study of extracellular ATP and ADP-mediated neuron-glia communication in injury response.

Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau Seeding

Analysis of pathological tau conformers as self-propagating templates in tauopathies.

N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Composition Changes

Investigation of GluN2 subunit switching and extrasynaptic NMDAR signaling in aging.

Organoid Models of Human Brain Development

Study of three-dimensional neural tissue cultures replicating cortical neurogenesis and differentiation.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Autoimmunity

Characterization of MOG-specific T and B cell responses in demyelinating diseases.

Syntaxin-Mediated SNARE Complex Assembly

Molecular analysis of soluble NSF attachment protein receptor proteins in neurotransmitter release.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis

Study of NAD+ metabolism and sirtuin activation in neuronal stress resistance and longevity.

DYRK1A Kinase in Down Syndrome Neurogenesis

Investigation of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation kinase dysregulation in trisomy 21.

Spastin-Mediated Microtubule Severing in Axons

Analysis of AAA-ATPase-catalyzed microtubule dynamics in hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Ketogenic Diet Effects on Neuronal Metabolism

Study of altered glucose and lipid utilization patterns and seizure resistance mechanisms.

Complement Component C3 Deposition and Neurodegeneration

Investigation of alternative pathway complement activation in Alzheimer''s disease pathology.

Glutaminase Expression and Glutamate Production

Analysis of phosphate-activated glutaminase isoforms in excitatory neurotransmitter synthesis.

Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Adult Neurogenesis

Study of Shh ligand signaling promoting neural stem cell proliferation in hippocampus.

Fused in Sarcoma Protein Aggregation in ALS

Investigation of FUS RNA-binding protein mislocalization and phase separation in motor neurons.

Protein Arginine Methyltransferase Function in Neurons

Characterization of PRMT-mediated histone and non-histone protein modifications in gene regulation.

Endo-lysosomal Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling

Study of intracellular S1P pool and receptor activation in lysosomal homeostasis.

TDP-43 RNA Binding and Processing Defects

Analysis of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 dysfunction in alternative splicing and neurodegeneration.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor Activation

Investigation of c-Met signaling in synaptic transmission and addiction-related plasticity.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway in Survival

Study of PI3K-AKT-mTOR cascade modulation in neuronal protection and growth.

Neuronal Inclusion Bodies and Aggregation Mechanisms

Characterization of amyloid, intranuclear, and hyaline inclusion formation in neurodegenerative diseases.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Neurodegeneration

Investigation of HDAC inhibitors as therapeutic agents to enhance neuroprotection through chromatin remodeling and gene expression restoration in degenerative brain diseases.

Aquaporin Water Channel Dysfunction in Neuroinflammation

Analysis of aquaporin-4 dysregulation in astrocytes and its contribution to cerebral edema and immune response amplification in neuroinflamatory conditions.

Post-Translational Modifications in Synaptogenesis

Comprehensive study of phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination events controlling synaptic protein assembly and functional maturation.

Neuron-Glia Metabolic Coupling and Energy Transfer

Investigation of lactate shuttle mechanisms and glucose utilization between astrocytes and neurons for sustained neuronal function.

Sirtuin Regulation of Neuronal Stress Responses

Examination of NAD+-dependent sirtuins in modulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and cellular defense mechanisms under metabolic stress.

Contactin-Associated Protein Clustering at Nodes

Molecular mechanisms governing cell adhesion molecule organization at axon initial segments and nodes of Ranvier for action potential propagation.

Lysosomal-Autophagy Pathway Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration

Study of defective autophagosome-lysosome fusion and lysosomal acid hydrolase impairment leading to pathological protein accumulation.

Astrocytic Glutamate Transporter Regulation and Homeostasis

Analysis of EAAT1/EAAT2 expression control and trafficking mechanisms that maintain synaptic glutamate concentrations within physiological ranges.

Presynaptic Active Zone Protein Organization

Structural and functional characterization of ELKS, RIM, and Munc13 protein complexes in neurotransmitter release site assembly.

Microglia-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Networks

Investigation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB signaling from activated microglia to promote neuronal survival and plasticity.

Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling in Synaptic Suppression

Molecular mechanisms of CB1 and CB2 receptor-mediated retrograde signaling in endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic depression and neuroprotection.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibition in Neuroplasticity Enhancement

Therapeutic targeting of phosphodiesterases to elevate cAMP and cGMP signaling for improved memory consolidation and cognitive function.

Semaphorin-Plexin Axon Guidance Interactions

Characterization of repulsive and attractive axon guidance mechanisms through semaphorin-plexin signaling during circuit development.

Neuroligin-Neurexin Transsynaptic Adhesion Complex

Structural analysis of neuroligin-neurexin complexes and their role in specifying excitatory-inhibitory synapse identity and stability.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Oligodendrocyte Maturation

Investigation of Shh-Gli signaling pathways controlling oligodendrocyte precursor proliferation and differentiation into myelin-producing cells.

Neurotrophin Receptor Trafficking and Signaling Endosomes

Study of TrkA and p75NTR endosomal signaling platforms that sustain long-distance retrograde signaling and gene transcription.

Potassium Channel Clustering and AIS Organization

Molecular mechanisms governing Kv1 and Kv7 channel clustering at axon initial segments through interactions with scaffolding proteins.

Ferroptosis Pathways in Neurodegeneration

Investigation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic cell death as alternative mechanisms in neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation.

SynCAM and Immunoglobulin Superfamily Adhesion Molecules

Structural and functional roles of synaptic cell adhesion molecules in pre- and postsynaptic coupling and synapse specificity.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor in Neuronal Adaptation

Analysis of HIF-1 alpha stabilization and target gene activation in metabolic adaptation and neuroprotection under hypoxic stress.

Olfactory Receptor Signaling in Non-Olfactory Neurons

Characterization of olfactory receptor expression in brain neurons and their role in calcium signaling and neuroplasticity.

DNA Repair Mechanisms in Post-Mitotic Neurons

Investigation of base excision repair and non-homologous end joining pathways critical for genomic stability in mature neurons.

Ephrin-Eph Bidirectional Signaling in Synaptic Plasticity

Molecular characterization of Eph receptor forward and reverse signaling in dendritic spine dynamics and synaptic strength.

Osteopontin-Integrin Interactions in Neuroinflammation

Study of osteopontin as a matricellular protein mediating immune cell migration and cytokine production in CNS inflammation.

Peptidylprolyl Isomerase Pin1 in Tau Pathology

Investigation of Pin1-mediated tau dephosphorylation and its therapeutic potential in preventing tau aggregation and neurodegeneration.

Ankyrin and Spectrin-Based Membrane Cytoskeleton

Structural organization and stabilization of ankyrin-spectrin scaffolds essential for neuronal morphology and axonal integrity.

Orexin Neuropeptide Signaling in Sleep-Wake Regulation

Molecular mechanisms of orexin receptor signaling in arousal maintenance and its dysfunction in narcolepsy and sleep disorders.

Retinoid X Receptor Signaling in Neurogenesis

Investigation of RXR heterodimerization with nuclear receptors in controlling neural progenitor differentiation and neuronal maturation.

Synaptotagmin-SNARE Complex Calcium Sensing

Structural mechanisms of synaptotagmin C2 domains in detecting calcium influx and triggering rapid neurotransmitter vesicle fusion.

Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 in Neuroinflammation

Analysis of LRRK2 mutations and kinase activity in microglia activation, inflammatory cytokine production, and Parkinson''s disease pathogenesis.

Synuclein Strains and Prion-Like Seeding

Investigation of alpha-synuclein conformational variants as propagating seeds in Parkinson''s disease and synucleinopathies.

Pannexin Hemichannels in Neuronal Communication

Functional characterization of pannexin ATP release channels in astrocyte-neuron signaling and neuroinflammatory responses.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Regulation of Neuroinflammation

Study of MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinase activity in blood-brain barrier disruption and immune cell extravasation.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Signaling

Investigation of PPAR-gamma activation in suppressing pro-inflammatory gene transcription and promoting neuroinflammatory resolution.

Purinergic Nucleotide Receptor Signaling in Glia

Analysis of P2X and P2Y receptor-mediated calcium signaling and ATP-dependent glial activation patterns.

Casein Kinase 1 Delta in Circadian Clock Functions

Molecular mechanisms of CK1-delta-mediated phosphorylation of circadian clock proteins in mammalian suprachiasmatic nuclei.

Thrombospondin-Mediated Synapse Formation

Investigation of thrombospondin as an astrocyte-secreted synaptogenic factor promoting excitatory synapse assembly.

Integrin Signaling in Neuronal Migration and Adhesion

Characterization of integrin-ECM interactions regulating neuronal motility, focal adhesion dynamics, and cytoskeletal reorganization.

Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Antioxidant Defense

Study of SOD and catalase enzyme functions in scavenging reactive oxygen species and preventing oxidative neuronal damage.

Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein Inhibitory Signaling

Investigation of MAG-mediated axon growth inhibition through Nogo-66 receptor and implications for regenerative therapy.

Zinc Finger Transcription Factors in Neuroprotection

Analysis of zinc finger protein-mediated transcriptional programs controlling neuroprotective gene expression.

Secretase Cleavage Site Mutations in Familial Alzheimer''s

Study of presenilin and APP mutations affecting gamma-secretase cleavage efficiency and amyloid-beta production.

Glutamine Synthetase Dysfunction in Excitotoxicity

Investigation of astrocytic glutamine synthetase impairment leading to glutamate accumulation and excitotoxic neuronal death.

Wnt Signaling in Adult Neurogenesis and Plasticity

Molecular characterization of canonical Wnt-beta-catenin pathway in promoting neural progenitor proliferation and dendritic development.

RNA Granule Dynamics in Axonal Localization

Investigation of how neuronal RNA-binding proteins and their associated granules regulate local protein synthesis and mRNA stability within axonal compartments during development and plasticity.

Synaptophysin and Synaptobrevin in SNARE Assembly

Structural and functional studies of synaptic vesicle proteins in SNARE complex formation and membrane fusion.

Netrin Guidance Molecule Receptor Signaling

Analysis of DCC and UNC5 receptor-mediated attractive and repulsive responses to netrin during axon pathfinding.

Synaptic Vesicle Fusion Machinery Reconstitution

Molecular characterization of SNARE-mediated exocytosis mechanisms using reconstituted membrane systems and single-molecule techniques to understand neurotransmitter release dynamics.

Neuronal Autophagy and Selective Organellar Degradation

Mechanistic study of autophagy-lysosomal pathways in neurons with emphasis on selective mitophagy and aggrephagy as therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Neuronal Gene Delivery

Development and optimization of lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors for cell-type-specific, blood-brain-barrier-permeable delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to neural tissue.

Electrophysiological Signatures of Pathological Protein Aggregates

Multi-electrode array and patch-clamp characterization of how protein aggregates alter intrinsic excitability and network synchronization in neural networks.