Johns Hopkins University · NeuroscienceSynaptic Plasticity and Memory Lab
Richard L Huganir · Baltimore, Maryland
Research Focus
Dr. Richard L Huganir's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how the brain encodes memories through the study of AMPA receptors, which are crucial for synaptic transmission and plasticity. The lab uses innovative techniques such as two-photon microscopy and biotinylation to visualize and analyze the interactions of synaptic proteins during learning and memory processes in live mice. Their research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying various brain disorders and to identify potential therapeutic targets for conditions like Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and autism.
AMPA receptorssynaptic plasticitymemory encodingdeep learningneuropsychiatric disorders
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how AMPA receptor interactions change during synaptic plasticity
AIM 02Explore circuit-specific memory encoding in mouse models
AIM 03Identify molecular targets for treating neuropsychiatric disorders
AIM 04Develop algorithms for tracking synaptic strength changes
AIM 05Use novel methodologies to visualize synaptic changes in real-time.
Skills the Lab Values
in vivo microscopytwo-photon imagingbiotinylation techniquesviral vector deliverymouse behavioral assays
Output against the department
Publications490top 12% of dept.78th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations71ktop 4% of dept.26th of 671
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.