Analyzing Functional Plasticity with Synaptic Resolution Using a Novel Genetically Encoded Sensor

One of the major challenges in neuroscience is to understand what drives changes in neural circuits, or synaptic transmissions. Neurological and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy alter neural circuits particularly in certain areas of the brain. This study aims to decipher functional and structural changes at synapses, with the ultimate goal of determining molecular targets for intervention and treatment. Understanding the mechanisms of neural circuits in disease may help prevent the diseases from occurring.