RESEARCH IN THE ZIFF LAB

OVERVIEW: Our lab researches molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and how plasticity contributes to synapse and neuron function and neurological disease. Most of our studies are conducted in dissociated embryonic hippocampal neurons, a highly versatile system for analyzing excitatory synapse function. However we also employ striatal neurons, genetically modified mice and rat behavioral models. We extensively employ techniques of cell biology, mutagenesis, imaging, vector expression and biochemistry and, more recently, behavioral paradigms, as well as electrophysiology, through collaboration, to deduce molecular mechanisms that control synapses. Our work is supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke.

1. AMPA RECEPTOR TRAFFICKING AND THE CONTROL OF SYNAPSE STRENGTH.

2. SPINE AND SYNAPSE MORPHOGENESIS

3. NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE