TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
POSTDOCS
Yuji Okamoto
Postdoc (since 2018)
Research area
I am working on the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation at hippocampal mossy fiber boutons. To address this question, I use presynaptic recordings from hippocampal mossy fiber boutons and simultaneous recordings from postsynaptic CA3 pyramidal neurons. This recording configuration allows me to exam synaptic transmission at the unitary level.
Magdalena Picher
Postdoc (since 2017)
Hertha Firnberg fellow
Research Area
I am interested in cellular mechanisms underlying spatial learning and coding in the hippocampal CA3 region. To investigate intracellular mechanisms involved in spatial coding in vivo, I am currently performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from CA3 pyramidal neurons in awake mice running on a linear belt system for a water reward. By presenting visual and tactile cues, spatially modulated sub and supra place cell activity can be recorded.
Benjamin Suter
Postdoc (Since 2016)
Research Area
I perform two-photon Ca2+ imaging experiments in hippocampal neurons of mice in vivo. I am quantifying Ca2+ signals in both presynaptic terminals and postsynaptic target cells, using the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP6. The goal is to characterize the activity of synapses in vivo in anesthetized and in awake mice and to quantify synaptic efficacy under in vivo conditions. The results may shed light on the nature of coding in different subfields of the hippocampus.
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Victor Vargas Barroso
Postdoc (since 2017)
IST Fellow
Research Area
I am doing in vitro octuple recordings in rat and mouse acute brain slices. One goal is to elucidate the connectivity rules and plasticity mechanisms of the CA3-CA1 synapse. I am also beginning to study the connectivity of new born granule cells, focusing primarily on their afferent/efferent connections with neurons of the Hilus.
JAKE WATSON
POSTDOC (SINCE 2020)
Research Area
I am studying the mechanisms of information processing in the hippocampal CA3 area. Using multicellular whole-cell recordings, I am determining the arrangement of microcircuit connectivity amongst individual CA3 cells, and how the unique properties of each synaptic connection contributes to processing and storage of neuronal activity.
PhD STUDENTS
Jingjing Chen
PhD Student (since 2017)
Research area
I am working on the project of developmentally regulated transmitter release at basket cells to purkinje cells synapse in the cerebellum. In particular, I am interested in how this synapse is regulated during different developmental stages. To address this question, I will use pair recording technique to study this synaptic transmission. In addition, electron microscopy will be used to investigate the distribution properties of vesicles and calcium channels.
Olena Kim
POSTDOC (SINCE 2022) / PhD Student (since 2015)
Research Area
I started my PhD in the Jonas group in 2015. The goal of the project was to examine structural changes during synaptic transmission and plasticity at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. To achieve this, I used the technique of “Flash & Freeze”, which allows me to stimulate neurons optogenetically and to freeze the synapse instantaneously, after defined time intervals. In particular, I am interested in possible differences between mossy fiber synapses formed on CA3 pyramidal neurons and those formed on GABAergic interneurons, via filopodial extensions. After successfully completing my PhD Studies, I now continue to work in the Jonas Group as a Postdoc.
Silvia Jamrichova
PhD Student (SINCE 2020)
Research Area
“I am studying the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity at hippocampal mossy fiber synapse. Specifically, I would like to determine the identity and affinity of the putative calcium sensors for both synchronous and asynchronous neurotransmitter release at this synapse. To address these questions I am using a subcellular patch-clamp technique that allows me to simultaneously record from mossy fiber boutons and CA3 pyramidal cells at a unitary level.”
Peipeng Lin
PhD Student (since 2020)
Research area
My research focuses on the study of synaptic transmission between mossy fibre and pyramidal neuron in hippocampal CA3, by recording simultaneously from the pre-synaptic bouton and the post-synaptic pyramidal cell.
