Lines of investigation

After the intensive refinement process that occurs during the developmental stages, the mature brain retains the ability of undergoing rapid adaptations in response to external stimuli by the means of a cellular phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity. Our goal is to understand how synaptic plasticity is regulated in discrete neural circuits, and how alterations of this process can lead to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In particular, our laboratory is currently identifying susceptible circuits during early stages of neurodegeneration by using viral-based circuit mapping techniques. We are also interested in understanding how critical neuromodulators such as cathecolamines and endogenous neuropeptides are secreted and how their exocytosis impacts synaptic plasticity and ultimately behavior. To improve the resolution of our molecular studies and manipulations, we plan to develop novel tools to regulate neuronal signaling and function. In particular, we are interested in exploring photo-activatable molecules to control vesicle dynamics in in vivo and in vitro models.

Representative Publications

Main Investigator
Doctor Investigador
Predoctor / Support Investigation
Predoctor / Support Investigation
Master Students

Research groups of Unit

Cellular and Systems Neurobiology

Research groups of Scientific Program

Synaptic modulation of neural circuits and behavior