We are a rapidly expanding team of electrophysiologists, behavioralists, and cell biologists that studies learning and memory, especially the longterm changes in synpatic function that accompany these neurological processes. Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underlie these changes in both normal, healthy brains and in the brains of those affected by neurological disorders (in particular, Alzheimer’s Disease). I am particularly interested in how protein phosphorylation, channel opening, intracellular calcium transients, and changes in transmitter release machinery might participate in basal synpatic transmission and in synaptic plasticity. Are presynpatic proteins involved in long-lasting changes of synpatic transmission? Is synpatic dysfunction involved in neurodegenerative disorders? This site will provide you with an introduction to our work.
- Ottavio Arancio, MD -