The Institute for Neurosciences CSIC-UMH takes a leading role at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Synapses and Brain Function

26 de June de 2025

The Gordon Research Conference ‘Excitatory Synapses and Brain Function’ was held at Southern New Hampshire University (USA) from June 8 to 13, featuring active participation from several members of the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche. Juan Lerma, head of the Synaptic Physiology laboratory, served as the chair of the event, while Isabel Pérez-Otaño, director of the Plasticity and Remodeling of Neural Circuits laboratory, served as vice-chair.

This biennial conference, held since 1997, is one of the foremost scientific forums for sharing unpublished findings in key areas of neuroscience such as brain plasticity, signaling, circuit organization, and neural pathologies. It aims to bring together leaders in the field alongside early-career researchers to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and the exchange of cutting-edge results, strengthening collaborations and shaping future research directions.

Among the most prominent speakers at this edition were Thomas Südhof (Stanford University, USA), Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2013 and global authority on neurotransmission; Michelle Monje (Stanford University, USA), this year's Brain Prize awardee, who discussed how synaptic communication affects glioma growth; Richard Huganir (Johns Hopkins University, USA), a leading expert on synaptic plasticity; Daniel Choquet (CNRS, France), renowned for his work on synaptic receptor molecular dynamics; Roger Nicoll (University of California, USA), a pioneer in long-term potentiation (LTP); and Hannah Monyer (German Cancer Research Center), recognized for her contributions to understanding interneurons and synaptic activity.

IN researcher Sandra Jurado, head of the Synaptic Neuromodulation laboratory, participated as a speaker in a session focused on the role of excitatory synapses in neuronal circuit plasticity. Her talk, titled ‘Oxytocinergic Control of Synaptic Function’ explored how oxytocin modulates excitatory synaptic function, influencing plasticity and circuit reorganization. Jurado presented groundbreaking results that contribute to our understanding of the role of neuromodulation in the brain’s functional adaptation. Her participation in this high-level forum enhances the international visibility of the IN and highlights the importance of the research being conducted at this center of excellence.

MULTISYN: Unraveling Synaptic Plasticity

Isabel Pérez-Otaño, Juan Lerma, and Sandra Jurado are currently collaborating on the PROMETEO MULTISYN project, funded by the Generalitat Valenciana. This initiative aims to understand how synaptic plasticity, the brain’s ability to modify the strength of its neural connections, is regulated across different timescales and how it influences circuit function and behavior.

The project takes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating cutting-edge techniques such as molecular genetics, super-resolution microscopy, 3D circuit tracing, ex vivo and in vivo physiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis. MULTISYN is structured around two main research lines: first, identifying the molecular mechanisms that account for the diversity of synaptic plasticity forms and their regulation by neuromodulators; and second, investigating strategies to restore impaired synaptic function to address neurological disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The project’s outcomes aim to generate new fundamental knowledge with potential clinical applications in the medium to long term.

Source: Institute for Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (in.comunicacion@umh.es)