Research Program Overview

Unique memories shape who we are. Representations of the external world are stored in the brain by billions of neurons with diverse morphologies, molecular signatures, and physiological properties. Each of these neurons forms thousands of synaptic contacts that transmit information with remarkable speed and precision. While the core principles of synaptic communication are well established, we still lack a clear understanding of how neural circuits are assembled and how they support cognition.

Why does this matter? Beyond the natural curiosity to decipher the brain—our most complex and mysterious organ—there’s a critical need to understand its wiring in detail. Without this knowledge, designing effective treatments for neurological disorders is like trying to fix a broken engine without knowing how it's built. The Maximov Lab investigates the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms that govern neuronal connectivity. We primarily focus on the hippocampus, a laminated structure within the limbic system that plays a central role in memory, emotion, and spatial navigation.

We combine genetic, biophysical, behavioral, and computational approaches to study how hippocampal circuits are organized and reorganized during the encoding of new memories across the lifespan. We rely heavily on optical imaging, 3-dimensional electron microscopy, and artificial intelligence (AI) to reverse-engineer the intricate architecture of neuronal wiring and individual synapses at different scales. Much of this work is conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Mark Ellisman and colleagues at the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research at UC San Diego.

In parallel, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of experience-dependent plasticity, leveraging human genetics, unbiased screens, and targeted gene analyses in mouse models. As part of this effort, we are also developing novel tools to manipulate genetically defined neuron types and behaviorally relevant cellular ensembles using small molecules, as well as AI-based tools for image analysis.