Harvard University · BiologyVan Vactor Neuroplasticity Lab
David L. Van Vactor · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
David Van Vactor's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how neurons change and adapt by looking at the role of microRNAs in synapse plasticity. Focusing on Drosophila, or fruit flies, the team examines the molecular mechanisms that enable synapses to remodel in response to neural activity, which is essential for memory and learning. Their research aims at identifying key genes and proteins involved in these processes, providing insights into how disruptions can lead to neurological disorders.
microRNAsynapse plasticityneural circuitsDrosophilaneurological disorders
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the role of microRNA in synapse remodeling after neural activity.
AIM 02Identify genetic interactions of microRNA with target proteins involved in synapse structure.
AIM 03Analyze the regulation and effects of specific target genes influenced by microRNA.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic tool developmenttissue-specific analysissite-directed mutagenesisprotein localization studiesbiochemical isolation of protein complexes
Output against the department
Publications10bottom 1% of dept.1,018th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations622bottom 3% of dept.1,006th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.