Rate My Professor Vladimir Sytnyk

Sytnyk's research investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which neural cell adhesion molecules regulate synapse formation, maintenance, and function in neurons. His work explores how disruptions in these processes contribute to synapse loss in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neuron disease, utilizing transgenic mouse models. He also develops technologies to modulate neural cell adhesion molecules to enhance brain performance, learning, and memory retention. Key publications include 'Neural cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily regulate synapse formation, maintenance, and function' (Trends in Neurosciences, 2017, with Leshchyns'ka I and Schachner M); 'Aβ-dependent reduction of NCAM2-mediated synaptic adhesion contributes to synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease' (Nature Communications, 2015, with Leshchyns'ka I et al.); 'Neural cell adhesion molecule 2 promotes the formation of filopodia and neurite branching by inducing submembrane increases in Ca²⁺ levels' (Journal of Neuroscience, 2015, with Sheng L and Leshchyns'ka I); and 'NCAM promotes assembly and activity-dependent remodeling of the postsynaptic signaling complex' (Journal of Cell Biology, 2006, with Leshchyns'ka I et al.). Several of his papers have been recommended by F1000Prime. Sytnyk has served as guest editor for Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, including volumes on cell adhesion and migration in 2023 and the interplay between cell adhesion molecules and the cytoskeleton in 2020.