Leslie Griffith & Gina Turrigiano

The Griffith lab studies the role of CaM Kinase II in the development and function of synapses and has developed molecular tools, including active kinase transgenes and inhibitor peptide transgenes. Using these tools, Dr. Griffith has shown that activity dependent morphological changes at the fly neuromuscular junction are mediated by CaM Kinase II.

The Turrigiano lab is interested in activity-dependent regulation of synaptic strength and connectivity in cultured cortical neurons. To test the role of CaM Kinase II in this process, the Turrigiano laboratory is using constructs provided by Dr. Griffith to manipulate CaM Kinase II activity in cultured mammalian cells.

These collaborative experiments suggest that, as in the fly, synaptic connectivity can be modulated by CaM Kinase II.