Prof. George Augustine’s lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and the organization of neural circuits. The lab employs multidisciplinary approaches, including electrophysiology, neuronal cell biology, molecular biology, optical microscopy, computational modeling, and optogenetics, to explore how neurons communicate and how brain circuits function.

Using optogenetics, Prof. Augustine has advanced the understanding of specific brain circuits by mapping their spatial organization and functional roles. His work in the cerebellum has led to the discovery of a new type of interneuron, while his investigations into the claustrum have classified its intrinsic neuronal properties and mapped its local synaptic connections. These efforts provide insights into the role of these circuits in both normal brain function and neurological disorders.

Prof. Augustine’s lab is also focused on the molecular basis of neurotransmitter release, particularly the role of synapsin proteins in clustering synaptic vesicles and maintaining reserve pools. This research has broad implications for understanding how rapid neuronal communication occurs and how synaptic dysfunction contributes to diseases like schizophrenia, vascular dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Looking ahead, Prof. Augustine aims to expand the application of optogenetic and molecular tools to study neural circuits involved in higher-order brain functions. His lab is also exploring collaborations to develop therapeutic strategies targeting synaptic and circuit-level dysfunctions in neurological and psychiatric diseases.