Synaptic maintenance
We investigate how mature synapses preserve their structure and function, with a focus on dose-sensitive transcriptional control by Gooseberry, the Drosophila Pax3/7 homolog.
- Gooseberry / Pax3/7
- Synaptic stability
- Retractions
University of Puerto Rico · Neuroscience
Marie LabSynapse Dynamics
Growth Plasticity Stability Adaptation
Led by Bruno Marie, PhD
We study how synapses preserve function as conditions change, with a current emphasis on the presynaptic adaptations induced by alcohol exposure and withdrawal.
Current lab focusAlcohol and synaptic adaptationIllustrative visualization · Drosophila larval NMJ
Our question
How do synapses remain functional as conditions change?
Synapses must be both adaptable and dependable. They remodel with activity, development, and environmental experience—yet neural communication must remain remarkably precise.
Our laboratory combines genetics, imaging, molecular biology, and electrophysiology to understand how this balance is established and maintained at identified synapses.
Current lab focus
Alcohol and synaptic adaptation
We use the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction to determine when synaptic responses to alcohol exposure and withdrawal are adaptive—helping preserve function—and when they become maladaptive, compromising plasticity or long-term stability.
When does compensation protect a synapse—and when does it begin to undermine the properties that keep the synapse functional?
Explore Keisha Serrano’s projectAlcohol exposure
Synaptic remodelingPresynaptic changeMolecules · structure · release physiology
Functional consequencesAdaptation or maladaptation?Does the response preserve synaptic function—or compromise plasticity and stability?
Support this research
Help advance alcohol neuroscience in Puerto Rico.
Philanthropic support can expand hands-on student training and the imaging and electrophysiology experiments needed to move this research program forward.
Discuss supporting the programBroader research program
Three connected scales of synaptic change
From transcriptional programs to release physiology, we connect mechanism with structure and function.
Environmental adaptation
We ask how synapses remodel in response to environmental challenges, including rapid and prolonged ethanol exposure, withdrawal, and developmental temperature.
- Ethanol
- Temperature
- Presynaptic remodeling
Plasticity & homeostasis
We study the mechanisms that let synapses change with activity while maintaining stable communication, including Wnt signaling and presynaptic compensation.
- Wnt signaling
- ADSP
- Synaptic homeostasis
How we work
One synapse. Multiple levels of evidence.
Drosophila genetics
Quantitative imaging
Electrophysiology
Molecular analysis
People
A small lab built around close mentorship
We train graduate and undergraduate scientists through hands-on, question-driven research.
Principal investigator
Bruno Marie, PhD
Professor, Institute of Neurobiology
Academic journey
Training across four scientific communities
From cellular biology and genetics to biochemistry and neuroscience, Bruno Marie’s training spans France, England, Puerto Rico, and California.
B.Sc.
Cellular Biology & Genetics
University Paul Sabatier
Toulouse, France
M.Sc.
Cellular & Molecular Biology
University Louis Pasteur
Strasbourg, France
PhD
Biochemistry
University of Sussex
Brighton, England
Postdoctoral Fellow
Neuroscience
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
San Juan, PR
Postdoctoral Fellow
Neuroscience
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, USA
Current students
Learning by doing science
Our student profiles trace the educational paths that brought each researcher to the lab and the questions they now pursue.
PhD student
Keisha Serrano
Caguas, PR
- High school
- Manuela Toro Morice
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, concentration in Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
- PhD
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine · Started August 2023
- Joined the lab
- August 2024
Thesis
“Defining the Drosophila NMJ as a model system to study synaptic maladaptation to alcohol exposure”
Keisha investigates how rapid and chronic alcohol exposure reshape synaptic structure, function, and plasticity at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction. By combining quantitative imaging and electrophysiology, her work examines when synaptic responses are adaptive and when they become maladaptive.
Lab alumni
Where training leads
Five graduate students have completed their training in the lab. Their profiles will document their work in the lab and the paths they have taken since graduation.
Kevin M. De Leon Gonzalez
Cupey, PR
- High school
- University Gardens High School
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
- Graduate training
- PhD in Biology, 2023University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
Current positionPostdoctoral Investigator, Avital Rodal Lab, Brandeis University
Current research
In the Rodal Lab, Kevin studies how presynaptic endocytic proteins are transported, organized, and dynamically regulated at synapses using live imaging, embryonic dissections, and electrophysiology.
Carihann Dominicci-Cotto
Guayama, PR
- High school
- Rafael López Landrón High School
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
- Graduate training
- PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology, 2022University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Current positionPostdoctoral researcher, Andreas Jenny Lab, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Current research
Carihann’s research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate Drosophila spermatogenesis.
Roberto Reyes-Maldonado
Morovis, PR
- High school
- Jaime A. Collazo del Río High School
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
- Graduate training
- PhD in Biology, 2022University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
Current positionPostdoctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Alonso Ramírez, North Carolina State University
Current research
Roberto’s current work investigates how C. vitellinus bioturbation behavior influences benthic biogeochemical processes and how these effects change under warming scenarios, helping clarify how tropical streams may respond to climate change.
Carolina Maldonado-Díaz
Cupey, PR
- High school
- St. Mary’s School
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
- Graduate training
- PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology, 2021 · MD, 2023University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Current positionAnatomic Pathology residency and Neuropathology fellowship training, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City
MentorsDrs. Richardson, Walker, and Tsankova
Current research
Carolina’s work in neuropathology bridges neurodegeneration, neuro-oncology, and illustrative case reports drawn from surgical neuropathology specimens.
Marizabeth Perez
Vieques, PR
- High school
- Germán Rieckehoff Morales
- B.Sc.
- B.Sc. in Biology Education, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
- Graduate training
- PhD in Biology, 2019University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
Current positionAdjunct Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, School of Integrative and Professional Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
Selected publications
Recent and foundational work
2026Autophagy, the Ubiquitin proteasome system, and the MAPK pathway control the temperature dependence of synaptic growthKevin M. De Leon Gonzalez & Bruno MarieStudent-led workGenetics2026The neuromuscular system of Chironomus vitellinus (Diptera: Chironomidae)Roberto Reyes-Maldonado, Alonso Ramírez & Bruno MarieStudent-led workPLOS ONE2024The Wingless planar cell polarity pathway is essential for optimal activity-dependent synaptic plasticityCarihann Dominicci-Cotto, Mariam Vazquez & Bruno MarieStudent-led workFrontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience2021A comparison of three different methods of eliciting rapid activity-dependent synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila NMJMaldonado-Díaz, Vazquez & MarieStudent-led workPLOS ONE2021Rearing methods and life cycle characteristics of Chironomus sp. Florida (Chironomidae: Diptera): A rapid-developing species for laboratory studiesRoberto Reyes-Maldonado, Bruno Marie & Alonso RamírezStudent-led workPLOS ONE2017Cortactin is a regulator of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity controlled by WinglessAlicea, Perez, Maldonado, Dominicci-Cotto & MarieStudent-led workThe Journal of Neuroscience
Prospective students
Interested in joining Marie Lab?
We welcome inquiries from motivated graduate and undergraduate students interested in synapses, genetics, imaging, or electrophysiology. Introduce yourself, tell us what scientific question excites you, and describe what you hope to learn.
Introduce yourself