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My lab investigates cellular molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic modification and specific aspects of adaptive behavior. We hope the outcomes of basic and preclinical research will lead to therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pathological conditions such as intellectual disability, autism, and mood disorders. Our main research objectives include identifying molecular and cellular substrates that determine learning, re-learning, and forgetting; discovering molecular and cellular pathologies for therapeutic approaches to treat Fragile X syndrome; identifying molecular pathways that control adaptive behaviors associated with mood disorders; and elucidating mechanisms that control transcription homeostasis in neurons. We employ various research approaches such as gene knockout and overexpression in transgenic mice, transcription profiling using RNA sequencing and RT-PCR, behavior analysis, electrophysiology using ex vivo brain slices and in vivo anesthetized mice, optogenetics methods to activate signaling molecules, and cellular models utilizing primary neurons and glial cells. We also perform cellular tissue analysis using immunostaining and Western blot techniques.
Department of Psychology