Molecular Neuroscience

Understanding the specific molecular events which mediate neuronal physiology and pathophysiology is crucial to understanding the behavior of the nervous system at the systems level.

Investigators in our department use a variety of molecular genetic and biochemical tools such as genetic screens, RNAi, and single molecule biophysics to elucidate how single proteins contribute to neuronal physiology. Areas of emphasis include protein folding and molecular chaperones, ion channels and receptors, synaptic physiology, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.