Konrad Zinsmaier (The University of Arizona)
Molecular mechanisms controlling axonal transport of mitochondria

Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Molecular & Cellular Biology

Research Interest: Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Function/Plasticity and Neurodegeneration

BackgroundSpecialized cell-cell contact sites, called synapses, facilitate communication and computation of information in the brain on a sub-millisecond scale.  The accuracy of this process is vital as even subtle changes in synaptic function can disturb neuronal circuits and cause pathological abnormalities that lead to neurological and/or psychiatric disorders.

Research DescriptionMy laboratory focuses on molecular mechanisms that mediate, modulate, and/or maintain synaptic function by employing synapses of genetically modified Drosophila as a model system. Forward and reverse genetics are used to examine effects on synaptic function that are induced by mutations in critical components of the release machinery. Abnormal synaptic function is assayed by a variety of techniques including electrical recordings, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, live imaging of intracellular calcium, endo- and exocytosis.

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Contact Rick Ordway, rwo4@psu.edu