Dr. Tal Laviv

 My ongoing research focus is to study the interplay between neuronal protein signaling, neuronal function, and dysfunction in the central nervous system. To achieve this, we develop biosensors to visualize the activity of key protein signaling pathways.

We strive to unravel how vital genes and proteins shape normal brain development and function.

During my doctoral work with Dr. Inna Slutsky, I studied the local mechanisms by which GPCRs regulate synaptic function. We developed FRET based measurements of GABABRs coupled with use of activity dependent dyes, to uncover the relationship between signaling and function at single hippocampal synapses.

I then transitioned to train as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Ryohei Yasuda, an expert in building FRET biosensors and synaptic plasticity.

I focused on developing experimental approaches for in vivo imaging of protein signaling and neuronal activity in the living brain. I have transitioned to an independent researcher position at Tel Aviv University in 2020, where I am developing my own research program.

My lab is using an integrated approach incorporating optical biosensors, gene editing, and in vitro and in vivo imaging to unravel the basic operating principles of neuronal signaling in synaptic plasticity and development, and how its failure underlies diverse neuronal pathologies.