Anthony Holtmaat

Biography

 Their laboratory is interested in structural and morphological aspects of synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. They are testing the hypothesis that changes in the connectivity between neurons, through synapse formation and elimination, constitute a basis for training and experience-dependent adaptations in cortical network function. To this end we image cortical neurons in fluorescent transgenic mice in vivo, using high-resolution two-photon laser scanning microscopy through chronic cranial window implants. In this way we are able to track individual dendritic spines and axonal boutons, which are the structural proxies for synapses, over weeks to months while the animal receives new sensory experiences or loses sensory inputs. In addition we measure the molecular stability and dynamics of individual synapses by following the transport and diffusion of synaptic proteins carrying a fluorescent tag.  

Research Interest

 Neurology