It is becoming increasingly clear that functional alteration at a given synapse is often accompanied by compensatory adaptation at other synapses at both local and network levels. Several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders with diverse etiologies and poorly understood mechanisms are linked by a functional synaptic imbalance. In recent years, it has emerged that GABAergic inhibition is flexible, allowing input-specific adaptations at excitatory connections. At the Tyagarajan lab we address several novel mechanisms that contribute to dynamic GABAergic neurotransmission. We identify specific mechanisms that are operational during neuronal development, and also in mature neuronal circuits. Together, we try to understand the molecular coupling between glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission systems.

We have established strong collaborations with both local and international groups to complement our expertise.