University of California-Berkeley · NeuroscienceSynapse Dynamics Lab
Ehud Isacoff · Berkeley, California
Research Focus
Professor Ehud Isacoff's lab focuses on understanding how information is stored in the brain by manipulating synapses, the connections between neurons. They use advanced techniques like optogenetics and chemical optogenetics to control synaptic activity in real-time, allowing for precise studies of memory and learning in living animals. Their research aims to enhance how we analyze and interpret the roles of synapses in neural circuits.
synaptic plasticityoptogeneticsmemory storageneural circuitschemical optogeneticsneurotransmittersbehavioral analysislight activationin vivo imaging
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop new methods to control synaptic receptors with light at specific sites
AIM 02Investigate how synaptic strength changes affect memory and learning
AIM 03Enhance understanding of neurotransmitter functions within neural circuits
AIM 04Create tools for imaging and manipulating synapses during behavior
AIM 05Facilitate research on information storage in the brain using advanced optical techniques
Skills the Lab Values
optogeneticschemical optogeneticscell cultureanimal modelsneuroscience techniquesfiber opticsimaging technologydata collection in behavioral studiessynthesis of nanoparticles
Output against the department
Publications298top 23% of dept.152nd of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations24ktop 17% of dept.113th 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.