The Tsunoda lab works on the regulation and plasticity of ion channels and receptors in response to changes in neural activity. Recent projects in the lab have examined homeostatic synaptic plasticity mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the voltage-gated Kv4 potassium channel in the model system of Drosophila melanogaster. The lab utilizes a variety of approaches, including electrophysiology, genetics, molecular and cell biology, and behavior. Dr. Tsunoda also teaches BMS 401: Laboratory Research in Biomedical Sciences.
Publications
Byers N, Hahm E-T, Tsunoda, S: Slo2/KNa Channels in Drosophila Protect Against Spontaneous and Induced Seizure-like Behavior Associated with an Increased Persistent Na+ Current. Journal of Neuroscience 2021; 41(43): 9047-9063.
Eadaim A, Hahm E-T, Justice ED, Tsunoda S: Cholinergic Synaptic Homeostasis is Tuned by an NFAT-Mediated α7 nAChR-Kv4 Coupled Regulatory System. Cell Reports 2020; 32(10): 108119.
Hahm E, Nagaraja R, Waro G, Tsunoda S: Cholinergic Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity Drives the Progression of Aβ-Induced Changes in Neural Activity. Cell Reports 2018; 24: 342-354.
Ping Y*, Hahm E*, Waro G*, Song Q, Vo-Ba D, Licursi A, Bao H, Ganoe L, Finch K, Tsunoda S: Linking Aβ42-Induced Hyperexcitability to Neurodegeneration, Learning and Motor Deficits, and a Shorter Lifespan in an Alzheimer’s Model. PLoS Genetics 2015; 11(3):e1005025.
Ping Y, Tsunoda S: Inactivity-Induced Increase in nAChRs Up-Regulates Shal K+ Channels to Stabilize Synaptic Potentials. Nature Neuroscience 2011; 15(1): 90-97.
more publications
People
Girma Waro, PhD
Senior Research Associate