MPFI research groups focus on brain function and neural circuits.
What you find in this section
From the tiniest molecules to complex synaptic networks, MPFI researchers are redefining our understanding of the brain and building a foundation for better health.
Our scientists are driven by curiosity and passion to uncover fundamental knowledge of the brain function - the foundation of tomorrow's cures.
MPFI researchers have in-house access to top-of-the-line technology and expertise through our scientific cores. When a scientist can collaborate closely with experts, great achievements can result.
Read the latest research published by our scientists.
Dr. Alexandra Gribizis Awarded NIH Pathway to Independence Award
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) researcher Dr. Alexandra Gribizis has been awarded the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award. Dr. Gribizis aims to…
Our Labs
MPFI seeks to provide a new understanding of the origins, development, and function of the nervous system and its capacity to produce perception, thought, language, memory, emotion, and action.
Scientific Cores
When a scientist can collaborate closely with experts, great achievements can result. Providing researchers with in-house access to top of the line technology and expertise is one of the things that sets MPFI apart from other research institutions.
Recent Papers
Complementary roles of cell-type-specific plasticity in shaping neocortical dynamics for learning action timing
Majumder, S., Hirokawa, K., Yang, Z., Jain, A., Paletzki, R., Gerfen, C. R., Fontolan, L., Romani, S., Yasuda, R., & Inagaki, H. K. (2026). Complementary roles of cell-type-specific plasticity in shaping neocortical dynamics for learning action timing. Nature Communications.
Activity-regulated circSamm50 modulates mitochondrial dynamics and spine structural plasticity
Chanda, K., Bapat, O., Wingfield, J. L., Avchalumov, Y., Kazantzis, M., Carter, J. P., Sharma, N., Davis, R., Yuan, J. X.-J., Rangaraju, V., & Puthanveettil, S. V. (2026). Activity-regulated circSamm50 modulates mitochondrial dynamics and spine structural plasticity. Cell Reports, 45(6).
Synchronous climbing fiber activity enables instructive signaling for cerebellar learning through modulation of disinhibitory circuits.
Park, C., Yang, Z., Nashef, A., Gim, J., Bahn, S., Kim, G. H., Zhang, K., Cathala, L., Hong, S., Im, Y., Lee, S.-H., Lee, K., Kim, M.-S., Arnold, D. B., Lee, K. J., Christie, J. M., & Kim, J. S. (2026). Synchronous climbing fiber activity enables instructive signaling for cerebellar learning through modulation of disinhibitory circuits. Nature Neuroscience.
argeting the cGAS-STING pathway mitigates Huntington disease pathogenesis in a knock-in mouse model.
Kesharwani, A., Dagar, S., Zuniga, I., Monet, M. C., Halade, G., Upadhyay, G., Nimrod Ramírez-Jarquín, U., Gisselle Lopez-Huerta, V., Mirza, E., Quan, N., & Subramaniam, S. (2026). Targeting the cGAS-STING pathway mitigates Huntington disease pathogenesis in a knock-in mouse model. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 123(24), e2535879123.
Functional imaging of nine distinct neuronal populations under a miniscope in freely behaving animals.
Phillips, M. L., Urban, N. T., Salemi, T., Dong, Z., & Yasuda, R. (2026). Functional imaging of nine distinct neuronal populations under a miniscope in freely behaving animals. eLife, 15, RP110277.
Central versus peripheral neural control of a coordinated walking pattern in Drosophila
Sapkal, N., Kumar, D. S., Sunke, S., Mancini, N., Pitchford, J., Murakami, K., & Bidaye, S. S. (2026). Central versus peripheral neural control of a coordinated walking pattern in Drosophila. (p. 2026.04.29.721658). bioRxiv.
Our Science
By bringing together outstanding scientists with a broad range of expertise in an exceptionally supportive, collaborative environment, The Max Planck Florida Institute is stimulating the development of innovative experimental approaches that are leading the world to a new understanding of brain function in health and disease.
Search