Grant: Foundation Grant

The development of the brain is an enormously complex task that requires the formation and refinement of trillions of connections between billions of brain cells (neurons). These connections, known as synapses, are critical for all brain functions. They control our movement and senses; they regulate our emotions and decisions. They make us who we are. Dysfunctions in the development or function of synapses are thought to be central to many brain disorders including intellectual disability, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease and addiction. If we are to develop targeted therapeutic and behavioral interventions for brain disorders, then studying the fundamental mechanisms of how synapses form and function is crucial. The overarching goal of my lab is to elucidate specific cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synapse formation and function, and then use this information to probe synaptic dysfunctions that contribute to diseases of the brain. In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of synapses and to modify synapse function at the molecular level, we use rodent models. Mice and rats share similar genes with humans, have related brain structures (including synapses), and can learn and remember simple tasks. My work will identify and manipulate specific molecular targets that are essential for proper synapse development and brain function. This will result in a better understanding of which disruptions in synaptic function lead to brain disorders, and set the stage for refined approaches that can be leveraged to develop new therapeutics for restoring brain function and cognition. Collectively, my work will address: the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how we learn and remember; how disrupting proper synaptic communication in the brain can lead to brain disorders; and whether improving synaptic function later in life might be a therapeutic target for restoring cognitive and functional abilities.