The paper compares nanoscale organization of GABAergic synapses in somatic and dendritic compartments, finding structural and functional differences that affect inhibitory strength and signaling.

bioRxiv · Jun 28, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

Differential roles of NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 in neocortical pyramidal cell excitability

Joshua D Garcia, Chenyu Wang, Ryan P.D. Alexander, Emmie R. Banks, Timothy Fenton, Jean‐Marc DeKeyser, Tatiana V Abramova, Alfred L. George, Roy Ben‐Shalom, David H. Hackos, Kevin J. Bender

This study investigates the distinct roles of NaV1.2 and NaV1.6 in neocortical pyramidal cell excitability using inhibitors and genetic modifications to selectively block each isoform.

eLife · Jul 15, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

miRNA-mediated control of gephyrin synthesis drives sustained inhibitory synaptic plasticity

Theresa M. Welle, Dipen Rajgor, Dean J. Kareemo, Joshua D Garcia, Sarah M Zych, Sarah E. Wolfe, Sara E. Gookin, Thyandra A. Martinez, Mark L. Dell’Acqua, Christopher Ford, Matthew J. Kennedy, Katharine R. Smith

This study identifies miR153 as a regulator of gephyrin translation during inhibitory long-term potentiation, showing its downregulation enables synaptic strengthening.

EMBO Reports · Sep 18, 2024Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

TRPM2-CaMKII signaling drives excessive GABAergic synaptic inhibition following ischemia

Amelia M. Burch, Joshua D Garcia, Heather O’Leary, Ami Haas, James E. Orfila, Erika Tiemeier, Nicholas Chalmers, Katharine R. Smith, Nidia Quillinan, Paco S. Herson

The paper shows that TRPM2-CaMKII signaling enhances GABAergic synaptic inhibition after ischemia, leading to E/I imbalance and potential therapeutic targets for cognitive recovery.

Journal of Neuroscience · Apr 2, 2024Peer-reviewedNeuroscience