We investigate the molecular machinery underlying synaptic plasticity and information processing in the brain. We are especially interested in synaptic mechanisms supporting reinforcement learning and motor control. Our main approaches include mouse genetics, fly genetics, optogenetics, animal learning paradigms, electrophysiology, molecular biology and RNA-seq.
Hyperdopaminergic States Bias Explorations-Exploitation Trade-Off in Foraging and Impair Survival.
Hyperdopaminergic States Bias Explorations-Exploitation Trade-Off in Foraging and Impair Survival. Eur J Neurosci. 2026 Sep; 64(5):e70669.
PMID: 42708183
Genetic vitamin B6 deficiency exacerbates alcohol behavioral responses, metabolism, and toxicity in Drosophila.
Genetic vitamin B6 deficiency exacerbates alcohol behavioral responses, metabolism, and toxicity in Drosophila. Hum Mol Genet. 2026 Apr 15; 35(7).
PMID: 42017538
mRNA m6A modifications and the RNA-binding protein YTHDF1 affect translational control in both normal and pathological learning.
mRNA m6A modifications and the RNA-binding protein YTHDF1 affect translational control in both normal and pathological learning. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Apr 21; 123(16):e2518250123.
PMID: 41973927
A cell-autonomous role for the vitamin B6 metabolism gene PNPO in Drosophila GABAergic neurons.
A cell-autonomous role for the vitamin B6 metabolism gene PNPO in Drosophila GABAergic neurons. J Neurogenet. 2025 12; 39(4):126-133.
PMID: 41296493
Erasing "bad memories": reversing aberrant synaptic plasticity as therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Erasing "bad memories": reversing aberrant synaptic plasticity as therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry. 2025 Jul; 30(7):3209-3225.
PMID: 40210977
Genetic vitamin B6 deficiency and alcohol interaction in behavior and metabolism.
Genetic vitamin B6 deficiency and alcohol interaction in behavior and metabolism. bioRxiv. 2025 Mar 07.
PMID: 40093095
YTHDF1 mediates translational control by m6A mRNA methylation in adaptation to environmental challenges.
YTHDF1 mediates translational control by m6A mRNA methylation in adaptation to environmental challenges. bioRxiv. 2024 Aug 09.
PMID: 39149343
m6A RNA methylation regulates mitochondrial function.
m6A RNA methylation regulates mitochondrial function. Hum Mol Genet. 2024 05 18; 33(11):969-980.
PMID: 38483349
FMRP phosphorylation modulates neuronal translation through YTHDF1.
FMRP phosphorylation modulates neuronal translation through YTHDF1. Mol Cell. 2023 12 07; 83(23):4304-4317.e8.
PMID: 37949069
Trapping of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands Assayed by In Vitro Cellular Studies and In Vivo PET Imaging.
Trapping of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands Assayed by In Vitro Cellular Studies and In Vivo PET Imaging. J Neurosci. 2023 01 04; 43(1):2-13.
PMID: 36028313