RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

  • Unraveling the cellular and molecular components of behavior and cognition

    We aim at understanding the circuits and receptor pathways underlying cognition and social behavior in individual with intellectual disabilities such as Fragile X Syndrome, Autism and Schizophrenia. Our work is based on mouse and fly genetics, in utero electroporation techniques; electrophysiology; advanced imaging techniques and collaborations with clinicians.

    Cortical migration of neurons during development
    GABAergic staining in Drosophila
  • Shaping synapses: an RNA- cytoskeleton perspective

    Dysfunctional synaptic plasticity has been implicated in several brain diseases, such as FXS, ASD and SCZ. We are currently investigating how protein synthesis and actin remodeling underlie synapse shaping in health and disease focusing on the role of FMRP and its cytoplasmic interactor CYFIP1. Furthermore, we are investigating the role of a subset of non-coding RNAs involved in spine formation and consolidation that are affected in FXS.

    Cortical neurons stained with MAP2