The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · PharmacologyRudenko Lab
Gabrielle Rudenko · Galveston, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Gabrielle Rudenko's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on studying synaptic organizers, which are important proteins that help strengthen connections between neurons in the brain. The lab investigates how these proteins, especially a group called neurexins, function and regulate their interactions, which can lead to better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism. By exploring the mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to find new therapeutic approaches to treat severe mental illnesses that affect millions.
neurexinssynaptic organizersschizophreniaautism spectrum disorderneuron communicationneuropsychiatric disorderssynapse formationdynamic regulationin vivo studies
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the molecular mechanisms behind trans-synaptic bridge formation.
AIM 02Understand how neurexins and their partners regulate synaptic connections.
AIM 03Explore the effects of astrocytic factors on neurexin-mediated synapses.
AIM 04Develop innovative methodologies for imaging synaptic organizers.
Skills the Lab Values
electron tomographystructural biologybiochemistryanimal modelscell cultureprotein analysisbiophysical techniquesimmunoprecipitationfluorescence microscopy
Output against the department
Publications4bottom 1% of dept.456th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations77bottom 2% of dept.455th of 462
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.