Research Activities: The goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synapse development, neuronal plasticity and memory formation. We employ a variety of cutting edge technologies, including inducible and regional mouse genetics, confocal imaging, electrophysiological recordings and behavioral analysis, to identify and manipulate various molecules important for these processes. Specifically, we focus on three areas. First, we analyze synaptic proteins, particularly glutamate receptors and associated proteins, in the regulation of excitatory synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), widely studied cellular models for learning and memory. Second, we investigate the structural basis of synaptic plasticity and memory, specifically the formation, morphology and dynamics of the dendritic spine, the predominant structural component of the excitatory inputs. Finally, we are creating various mouse genetic models and use them to probe the biological function of disease linked genes and the underlying pathogenic processes for a number of neurodevelopmental and mental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and mental retardation. The results from our investigations are expected to uncover the fundamental processes involved in brain development, its normal function and dysfunction, It may also provide potential molecular targets for treating and preventing brain diseases caused by synaptic defects.