Dr. Justin Trotter

Biography

Justin Trotter received his Ph.D. from the University of South Florida and was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University in the laboratory of Thomas Südhof. His research focuses on elucidating astrocyte-neuron communication and systematically mapping the molecular and functional architecture of astrocyte-synapse intercellular junctions, particularly tripartite synapses. He employs super-resolution microscopy techniques such as 3D-STED and CRISPR-based tag knock-in methods, alongside electrophysiological and optical interrogation, to study neuronal and astrocyte physiology. His interests extend to developing methodologies that facilitate the exploration of tripartite synapses in genetic mouse models and across different species. Trotter is also keen on understanding the role that astrocyte-synapse communication plays in the development and function of neural circuits that underlie prosocial behaviors, employing genetic mouse models and viral approaches to manipulate astrocyte signaling while conducting behavioral analyses. Furthermore, he investigates how viral infections and neuroinflammatory responses affect brain barrier integrity and regulate astrocyte-synapse interactions.

Research Interests

Experience