Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Synaptic Plasticity

Neuronal plasticity is the ability of neurons to adapt permanent changes in response to environmental stimuli. This unique property of the nervous system allows for learning and memory formation.

At single-neuron level, plasticity is expressed by the activity of individual synapses, which in turn depends on the type of proteins locally synthesized at the synapse in response to stimulation. Some proteins present in dendrites and synapses are synthesized from mRNAs transported from the cell body in response to synaptic stimulation. Synaptic translation guarantees spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis, and a fast regulatory effect of the synthesized proteins on spine morphology and receptor signaling. This process has proven to be extremely important for the physiology of neurons. Its dysfunction leads to abnormalities observed in such disease syndromes as fragile X syndrome and autism, and is associated with abnormal spine morphology and connectivity.

The Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Synaptic Plasticity focuses on the identification of mRNAs and proteins undergoing local translation at the synapse in response to specific types of stimulation, and on gaining a better understanding of their synaptic functions. Our research will contribute to identification of key proteins important for synaptic plasticity. We use mouse models of human diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, which impair the process of local translation (FMR1 KO mice), as well as neuronal cell imaging techniques, biochemical and molecular methods, next-generation sequencing, and high resolution mass spectroscopy.