The McDonald lab investigates how our brains and nervous systems work. We aim to understand how neurons build their synaptic connections at a cellular and molecular level. We have discovered biomolecular condensates are central organizers of synapses and are investigating how their functional properties support synapse development and function.

Learn more about our research here!

GFP-tagged synapses in a C. elegans embryo.

GFP-tagged synapses in the nerve ring of adult C. elegans.

In vitro phase separation of SYD-2/Liprin-α, a presynaptic protein.