Robert J. Kittel

A Normative Model Reveals Functional Optimization of Synaptic Nano-Architecture

The paper develops a normative model to show that transsynaptic nano-architecture optimizes postsynaptic current amplitude and minimizes delay during multivesicular release at the Drosophila NMJ.

Selective octopaminergic tuning of mushroom body circuits during memory formation

This study re-examines the role of octopamine in learning and memory in Drosophila larvae, showing it modulates dopaminergic neurons to orchestrate memory processes.

Stabilized ion selectivity corrects activation drift in kalium channelrhodopsins

The paper identifies a KCR1 variant, C29D, that maintains stable potassium selectivity and provides reliable optogenetic inhibition across species and conditions.

Neuropathic pain and distinct CASPR2 autoantibody IgG subclasses drive neuronal hyperexcitability

The paper investigates how CASPR2 autoantibody subclasses, particularly IgG4, affect neuronal excitability and potassium channel function in patients with neuropathic pain.

Neuronal toxicity and recovery from early bortezomib-induced neuropathy: targeting the blood nerve barrier but not the dorsal root ganglion

This study investigates bortezomib-induced neuropathy in rats and patients, showing that early toxicity targets the blood nerve barrier, which can recover through upregulation of netrin-1.

Rab3 mediates cyclic AMP-dependent presynaptic plasticity and olfactory learning

This study identifies Rab3 as a mediator of cAMP-induced presynaptic plasticity and shows its necessity for olfactory learning in Drosophila.

Fully-primed slowly-recovering vesicles mediate presynaptic LTP at neocortical neurons

This study shows that LTP at layer 5 pyramidal neurons increases synaptic strength by increasing the number of fully-primed, slowly-recovering vesicles.

Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity Rescues Neural Coding Reliability

This study shows that homeostatic synaptic plasticity compensates for reduced neurotransmitter release probability, restoring neural coding reliability in Drosophila.

Endocrine fine-tuning of daily locomotor activity patterns under non-starving conditions in Drosophila

This study investigates how AKH signaling balances daily activity patterns in Drosophila under non-starving conditions through interactions with octopaminergic neurons and the fat body.

Active zone compaction in presynaptic homeostatic potentiation

The paper investigates presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) in Drosophila melanogaster, finding that AZs compact rather than enlarge, increasing protein density without changing Brp copy numbers.

Complexin cooperates with Bruchpilot to tether synaptic vesicles to the active zone cytomatrix

This study identifies Complexin as a conserved vesicular protein that interacts with Bruchpilot's C-terminus to tether synaptic vesicles to the active zone cytomatrix in Drosophila and mouse synapses.