A fundamental discovery about phosphorylation, a key mechanism that enables nervous system connections to strengthen, may alter the textbook-level understanding of how synapses work. Phosphorylation is a biochemical process considered fundamental for functions within cells, such as metabolism, structural processes and subcellular signaling. It also occurs outside of cells, and scientist found in this study that kinases within the synaptic cleft play an important role in synaptic plasticity. The findings, published Nov. 20 in the journal Science, have direct implications for better understanding the underlying biochemical mechanisms involved in learning, memory and pain, creating broad implications for neuroscience.

Cognition and neuroscience doctoral student Hailey Welch is the lead author of a study appearing online Nov. 5 in Cell Reports that examined the role of the vagus nerve’s branches in digestive signaling. She also has received a Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health to support her progress toward her doctorate at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her research charts the molecular and functional profiles of sensory neurons in the vagus nerve of rodents using genetic sequencing, imaging and functional assays, providing a potential explanation for why right-sided vagus nerve signaling activates the release in the brain of dopamine.

Researchers at Wayne State University will work with Michigan agencies and education partners to improve access to school-based substance use prevention and treatment programs for adolescents who are at risk of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) with the help of a NIH R61 grant.