Research Summary
Dr. Shigeki Watanabe is trained in genetics, molecular biology and cell biology in C. elegans and mice with a special focus on imaging neuronal functions. He developed two novel techniques in electron microscopy that allow the visualization of proteins and membrane dynamics at synapses. One technique induces membrane movement using the optogenetic stimulation of neurons and captures the subsequent events at a millisecond temporal resolution using a rapid high-pressure freezing method. Another technique pinpoints the locations of proteins within their subcellular context by coupling super-resolution imaging with electron microscopy. Using these techniques, Dr. Watanabe is studying cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity.
He has collaborated with many scientists across the world and worked with various model organisms, including zebrafish.
Selected Publications
View all on PubMed
Watanabe S. “Slow or fast? A tale of synaptic vesicle recycling.” Science. 2015;350:46-7.
Watanabe S, Trimbuch T, Camacho-Pérez M, Rost BR, Brokowski B, Söhl-Kielczynski B, Felies A, Davis MW, Rosenmund C, Jorgensen EM. “Clathrin regenerates synaptic vesicles from edosomes.” Nature. 2014;515:228-33. doi:10.1038/nature13846.
Watanabe S, Liu Q, Davis MW, Thomas N, Richards J, Hollopeter G, Gu M, Jorgensen NB, Jorgensen EM. “Ultrafast endocytosis at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction.” eLife. 2013;2:e00723.
Gu M, Liu Q, Watanabe S, Sun L, Grant B, Jorgensen EM. “AP2 hemicomplexes contribute independently to synaptic vesicle endocytosis.” eLife. 2013;2.
Shao Z, Watanabe S, Christensen R, Jorgensen EM, Colón-Ramos DA. “Synapse location during growth depends on glia location.” Cell. 2013;154:337-350.
Watanabe S, Rost B, Camacho M, Davis MW, Söhl-Kielczynski B, Felies A, Rosenmund C, Jorgensen EM. “Ultrafast endocytosis at mouse hippocampal synapses.” Nature. 2013;504:242-7. doi: 10.1038/12809.
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