About our lab
In the Walter Lab, we aim to understand how the nervous system achieves its remarkable computational abilities. We study the molecular mechanisms of synaptic computation—synapses are not only the communication contact points in the nervous system but also the smallest computational units. Adapting communication across synapses forms the basis of all neural computation, including sensory processing, locomotion, learning, and memory. Our focus is on the fundamental mechanisms of how chemical transmitters are released from the cell that is sending information across the synapse and how the amount of transmitter is regulated under so-called synaptic plasticity.
To study these phenomena, we combine a wide array of approaches, integrating both experimental and theoretical research. We use Drosophila melanogaster as our model organism due to its simpler nervous system and synapses. Despite this simplicity, synaptic transmission is an evolutionarily well-conserved process, making our insights relevant across species. For instance, most known disease-related genes in humans are conserved in the fly. We employ electrophysiology, live and super-resolution microscopy, genetic and pharmacological manipulations to study how synapses adapt across all physiological timescales—from milliseconds to the lifetime of the organism. Additionally, we build mathematical models to test hypotheses and predict outcomes for new experiments.
We also investigate the mechanisms of human disease by studying the functional consequences of human disease mutations on synapse and nervous system function in flies.
In 2020, Alexander was awarded a Novo Nordisk Young Investigator Grant, and in 2022, an ERC Consolidator Grant. The lab currently consists of three postdoctoral researchers, a technical assistant, a PhD student, three research assistants, and a laboratory assistant (member page).
Our published work can be found on the publications page.
Lab News
News
Where to find us:
Our lab can be found in the Panum Building of the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen