Paul Kramer, Ph.D.

Our lab is interested in understanding the neurophysiology of axonal signaling and how it interacts with substance use disorder. The axon is the thinnest structure that protrudes from a neuron, but it is also often the longest and can, in some cases, account for the majority of the neuronal plasma membrane for an individual cell. Axons are well known for propagating action potentials. However, emerging research shows they can also signal actively from one axon to another and even initiate action potentials locally in the axon itself.

These recent data force us to reevaluate what roles axons can have in neuronal physiology and open the door for future research in axonal neurobiology. The Kramer Lab will expand our understanding of this topic, together with an exploration of how drugs of abuse impact the function of axonal signaling and how axonal signaling impacts the development of these neurological disorders.