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Justin Trotter

Research

Our laboratory aims to elucidate astrocyte-neuron communication at three distinct levels. First, we will systematically map the molecular and functional architecture of astrocyte-synapse intercellular junctions within tripartite synapses. To achieve this, we will use a combination of super-resolution microscopy (e.g. 3D-STED and expansion microscopy), CRISPR-based tag knock-in techniques, and electrophysiological and optical interrogation of neuronal and astrocyte physiology. We are particularly interested in developing approaches that allow the broader field to study tripartite synapses across development, genetic mouse models, and species. Second, we will explore the role of astrocyte-synapse communication in the development and function of neural circuits that underlie prosocial behaviors. This will involve the use of genetic mouse models, viral approaches to manipulate astrocyte signaling, and behavioral analyses. Finally, we are interested in understanding how viral infections and the resulting neuroinflammatory responses regulate brain barrier integrity and astrocyte-synapse interactions.

Select Publications

  • Trotter JH*, Wang CY*, Zhou P*, Nakahara G, and Südhof TC (2023). A combinatorial code of neurexin-3 alternative splicing controls inhibitory synapses via a trans-synaptic dystroglycan signaling loop. Nat Commun. 14(1):1771. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36872-8.
  • Trotter JH*, Hao J*, Maxeiner S, Tsetsenis T, Liu Z, Zhuang X, and Südhof TC (2019). Synaptic Neurexin-1 Assembles into Dynamically Regulated Active Zone Nanoclusters. Journal of Cell Biology. 218:2677-2698.
  • Trotter JH*, Lussier AL*, Psilos KE, Mahoney HL, Sponaugle AE, Hoe HS, Rebeck GW, Weeber EJ (2013). Extracellular proteolysis of reelin by tissue plasminogen activator following synaptic potentiation. Neuroscience. 274:299-307.
  • Trotter JH*, Lee GH*, Kazdoba TM, Crowell B, Domogauer J, Mahoney HL, Franco SJ, Muller U, Weeber EJ, D’Arcangelo G (2013). Dab1 is required for synaptic plasticity and associative learning. Journal of Neuroscience 33: 15652-68.
  • Trotter JH, Klein M, Jinwal U, Abisambra J, Dickey CA, Tharkur J, Masiulis I, Ding J, Locke K, Rickman CB, Birch D, Weeber EJ, Herz J (2011). ApoER2 function in the establishment and maintenance of retinal synaptic connectivity. Journal of Neuroscience 31: 14413-23.

Biography

Justin Trotter received his Ph.D. from the University of South Florida and was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University in the laboratory of Thomas Südhof. Justin was awarded both the NRSA F32 fellowship and Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) from the NIMH. He also received the Young Investigator Award from the Brain and Behavior Foundation.

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