New York University · NeuroscienceTsien Neurobiology Lab
Richard W Tsien · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Richard W. Tsien's lab at NYU focuses on understanding how calcium channels in neurons influence learning and memory, particularly through a process called excitation-transcription coupling. They also investigate how oxytocin, a hormone related to social behaviors, affects the brain's neural circuits and may help with conditions like autism. By integrating biology, behavioral science, and advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that link neuronal activity to behavioral outcomes.
calcium channelsexcitation-transcription couplingoxytocinneural circuitssynaptic plasticitylearning and memoryneuropsychiatric disorderssocial behaviorCaMKIImolecular signaling
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how calcium influx through L-type channels affects gene expression in neurons.
AIM 02Examine the role of oxytocin in social behavior and circuit dynamics in the brain.
AIM 03Assess the interaction between calcium channels and synaptic receptors in mediating synaptic strength.
AIM 04Develop new tools for observing oxytocin's effects on social behaviors across different situations.
AIM 05Create a supportive lab environment that encourages mentoring and collaboration among team members.
Skills the Lab Values
calcium imagingelectrophysiologymolecular cloninganimal behavior assaysimmunohistochemistryWestern blottingconfocal microscopydata analysis in PythonNMDAR signalinggene expression analysis
Output against the department
Publications305top 22% of dept.145th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations62ktop 5% of dept.31st of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.