Department of Neuroscience

Research Abstract

The research in my lab is focused on understanding how synapse development is orchestrated at the molecular level. Our approach is based on combining molecular biology, cell biology, imaging, and genetics to define the role of genes in both orchestrating synapse formation during development and stabilizing them during adult life. We use primarily the mechanosensory neurons of C. elegans as a model, but also perform some studies using zebrafish. Current projects in the lab include... read more

Selected Publications

• Luo S., Schaefer A.M., Dour S., and M.L. Nonet. The conserved LIM domain-containing focal adhesion protein ZYX-1 regulates synaptic maintenance in Caenorhaditis elegans. Development. 141: 3922-33. 2014.
• Zheng Q., Ahlawat S., Schaefer A.M., Mahoney T., Koushika S., and M.L. Nonet. The vesicle protein SAM-4 regulates the processivity of synaptic vesicle transport. PLoS Genetics. 10: e1004644. 2014.
• Marcette J., Chen J.J., and M.L. Nonet. The C. elegans microtubule minus end binding homolog PTRN-1 stabilizes synapses and neurites. eLife 3:e01637. 2014.
• Mesa R., Luo S., Hoover C.M., Miller K., Minniti A., Inestrosa N. and M.L. Nonet. HID-1, a new component of the peptidergic signaling pathway. Genetics. 187:467-83. 2011.
• Zheng Q., Schaefer A.M. and M.L. Nonet. Regulation of C. elegans presynaptic differentiation and neurite branching via a novel signaling pathway initiated by SAM-10. Development. 138:87-96. 2011.
• Bounoutas A., Zheng Q., Nonet M.L. and M. Chalfie. mec-15 encodes an F-box protein required for touch receptor neuron mechanosensation, synapse formation and development. Genetics. 183:607-17. 2009.
• Mahoney T.R., Luo S., Round E.K., Brauner M., Gottschalk A., Thomas J.H., and M.L. Nonet. Intestinal signaling to GABAergic neurons regulates a rhythmic behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. PNAS. 105:16350-16355. 2008.
• Koushika S., Schaefer A., Vincent R., Willis J. Bowerman B. and M.L. Nonet. Mutations in C. elegans cytoplasmic dynein components reveal specificity of neuronal retrograde cargo. J Neurosci. 24: 3907-17. 2004.
• Koushika S., Richmond J. E., Hadwiger G., Weimer R.M., Jorgensen E.M. and M.L. Nonet. A post-docking role for active zone protein Rim. Nat Neurosci. 4: 997-1005. 2001.
• Schaefer A.M., Hadwiger G.D., and M.L. Nonet. rpm-1, a conserved neuronal gene that regulates targeting and synaptogenesis in C. elegans. Neuron. 26: 345-56. 2000.

For a complete list of Dr. Nonet's publications, click here.