The Laboratory of Dr. Thomas Südhof
Investigating the formation of synapses and synaptic communication
For a person to think, act, or feel, the neurons in a person’s brain must communicate continuously, rapidly, and repeatedly. This communication occurs at synapses, specialized junctions that allow neurons to exchange information on a millisecond timescale and that organize neurons in vast overlapping circuits.
When stimulated, a presynaptic neuron releases a chemical neurotransmitter signal that diffuses across the synaptic cleft to react with postsynaptic receptor neurons or muscle cells.
Thomas Südhof’s laboratory studies how synapses form in the brain, how their properties are specified, and how they accomplish the rapid and precise signaling that forms the basis for all information processing by the brain.
Headlines
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Dissecting the synaptic role of specific isoforms of neurexin cell adhesion molecules
In this paper, we characterized the synaptic role of specific, short isoforms of the neurexin family of cell adhesion molecules known as β-neurexins, uncovering their role in regulating endocannabinoid signaling at a subset of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus.
The Supple Fund for Autism Research
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Our laboratory's work is helping to conquer the “defeatism” surrounding the neurocognitive disorder known as Autism. We strive to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms at play behind this disorder so that we may further understand how best to adress Autism spectrum disorders. Your support will go directly to fund innovative, nobel-prize winning science. By making a donation, you are not only helping to advance the scientific understanding of disease, but also giving families, like the Supples, the gift of hope.