Molecular and Cellular

Picower Institute scientists probe the role of genes, proteins and molecules in the physiology and action of neurons and glia, including how synaptic connections change. To learn more about these or other areas of inquiry, select them under Research Topics and you'll find relevant Picower people, discoveries and events.

February 14, 2022

Research Findings

Single-cell gene expression analyses of human cerebrovascular cells can help reveal new drug targets for Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

January 13, 2022

Research Findings

An upgrade of ‘MAP’ enables labeling of more proteins, deeper studies of circuit junctions in brain tissue

January 6, 2022

Research Findings

Extra chromosome alters chromosomal conformation and DNA accessibility across the whole genome in neural progenitor cells, disrupting gene transcription and cell functions much like in cellular aging.

November 29, 2021

Research Findings

Tomosyn’s tight regulation of neurotransmitter release distinguishes functions of two neuron classes at the fly neuromuscular junction

November 22, 2021

Research Findings

By integrating multiple sensory inputs, a loop of mutual inhibition among a small set of neurons allows worms to switch between long-lasting behavioral states

November 3, 2021

Research Findings

The findings may help explain why some people who lead enriching lives are less prone to Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia

October 18, 2021

Recent Events

Scholars from around the world gathered online to share new research on how intricately structured neural processes enable plasticity of circuit connections and help integrate incoming information to enable brain function

October 5, 2021

New Research

Large-scale, integrated application of advanced computational, biological techniques aims to discover mechanisms underlying ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with motor neuron disease

September 29, 2021

Research Findings

While the brain acquires resistance to continuous treatment with mGluR5 inhibitor drugs, lasting effects may still arise if dosing occurs intermittently and during a developmental critical period

September 3, 2021

Research Findings

Neuroscientists at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a statistical framework that rigorously describes the brain state changes that patients experience under ketamine-induced anesthesia.

September 1, 2021

Research Findings

By temporarily suspending retinal activity in the non-amblyopic eye of animal models, neuroscientists restrengthened the visual response in the amblyopic eye, even at ages after the critical period when patch therapy fails

August 26, 2021

Picower People

Through a summer research program at MIT, Patricia Pujols explored the neuromuscular junction, and a future in science.

A new “atlas” of cells that carry blood to the brain

Next-generation tissue expansion method improves neural imaging

In Down syndrome cells, genome-wide disruptions mimic a senescence-like state

Study reveals a protein’s key contribution to heterogeneity of neurons

Feast or forage: Study finds circuit that helps a brain decide

Study links gene to cognitive resilience in the elderly

Symposium spotlights crucial roles of dendrites

NIH award funds innovative investigation of neurodegenerative motor diseases

Study shows fragile X treatment can incur resistance, suggests ways around it

Statistical model defines ketamine anesthesia’s effects on the brain

Novel approach reverses amblyopia in animals

A pivot from accounting to neuroscience