Fred Hoerndli

The Hoerndli Lab is interested in the cell signaling mechanisms of synaptic maintenance and memory. Does memory require energy? If yes, are synaptic mitochondria the main players? Is it just energy or more? If eyes are the windows into the soul, then C. elegans is a window to observe how molecules and mitochondria work while neurons are active. The Hoerndli Lab uses genetic engineering, semi-automated behavioral analysis, and most of all high-resolution microscopy to directly observe and modify synapses and behavior in live active animals. Although different from vertebrates at the circuit level, the molecular components and function of neurons is extremely conserved between vertebrates and C.elegans. This allows us to compare, contrast, and to define the fundamental mechanisms of synaptic function and memory.