Molecular mechanisms of memory formation

My group is interested in how memories are formed by the strengthening of connections between neurons via long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular correlate of learning and memory. LTP is mediated by an increase in AMPA receptors (green) in the postsynaptic membrane of neurons (top). The process of delivering AMPA receptors involved a complex molecular machine. My lab aims to determine the arrangement of proteins within this molecular machine and determine how the machinery is regulated. We use single particle cryoEM, computational structural biology, and an in vitro fusion assay to address these unmet needs. My group is actively recruiting students and is open to collaboration!