Multivalent networking and synaptic plasticity

The connections in our brains are constantly changing. As we interact with the environment and each other, connections between our neurons are remodelled so that we can retain these interactions as learning and memory. At a molecular level, the brain accomplishes this remodelling in part by making new proteins at the specific sites where our neurons interact with each other (known as synapses). Abnormalities in synaptic plasticity contribute to a wide range of neurological and cognitive disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, addiction and multiple sclerosis. The goal of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity and the remodelling of the neuronal connectome. We use a multidisciplinary experimental approach that includes high-resolution live imaging of neurons, gene manipulation, electrophysiology and multi-omics studies.