Ryohei Yasuda, Ph.D.

Dr. Yasuda studies calcium levels in dendritic spines, and how elevation in these levels can contribute to synaptic plasticity. Recent research has demonstrated that varying spatiotemporal patterns of calcium signaling can orchestrate distinct signaling pathways. For this project, he will develop optical tools to record and modulate calcium activity in neurons in both ex vivo brain slices and awake, behaving animals. By determining precise time windows of signaling activity, these novel tools will elucidate how intracellular activity mediates synaptic, circuit, and behavioral plasticity, ultimately informing the mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.