Research interest

Our lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms used by neurons to decode synaptic and electrical activities that propagate through neural circuits. We are particularly interested in learning how these mechanisms contribute to synaptic remodeling and to the maintenance and modifications of brain circuit connectivity. Synaptic remodelling in the brain during development and in adult life is thought to represent fundamental cellular processes of learning and memory. However, upon abnormal levels of neural activities, it can lead to severe cognitive deficits. The fine line between the mechanisms that produce constructive versus destructive changes in brain circuit connectivity is largely unknown.

The synaptic signalling model that we study is the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent pathway at excitatory synapses in the rat hippocampus. We study the biochemical properties, structure/function and specific activation of the enzyme CaM kinase II (for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II), which plays several important roles in neural function, such as brain cell development, synaptic function and remodeling, and learning and memory. Our studies are aimed primarily at learning how CaM kinase II decodes Ca2+ signals in neurons and modifies synaptic structures and function. For our experiments, we use living neural circuits (dissociated cultures or brain slices). We also use an in vitro approach aimed at deciphering the structure / function of CaM kinase II as a decoder of Ca2+ oscillations.