The Martin Lab

Hippocampal CA1 subregion stained for neurons and astrocytes
schematic representation of experimental results
cultured hippocampal neurons stained for neurites and nuclei

Our goal is to understand how neurons change the strength of their connections with experience. This property, called synaptic plasticity, provides a cellular mechanism for learning and memory. Research in the Martin lab focuses on how different types of synaptic and neuromodulatory stimuli activate transcriptional networks in neurons and glia to alter gene expression necessary for changes in synaptic strength. By elucidating the cell and molecular biological basis of synaptic plasticity, we hope to provide insights into the etiologies of many neuropsychiatric and cognitive diseases.

Learn more about our research