Professor Dr. Shigeki Watanabe

Biography

Shigeki Watanabe is an Associate Professor in the Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience. His research focuses on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal synaptic activity and its plasticity, which are essential for proper brain function. His lab employs innovative electron microscopy techniques to probe ultrastructural changes in neurons at millisecond resolution. Key contributions from his research include the discovery of the organization of neurotransmitter receptors, the dynamics of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis, and the roles of glial cells in neuronal communication. Watanabe has pioneered methods that combine optogenetic stimulation with high-pressure freezing to visualize membrane dynamics, allowing for detailed studies on the mechanisms of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.

Research Interests