Virginia Puente Muñoz

My research delves into the intricate mechanisms of neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity at the molecular level. I have pioneered the development of cutting-edge optogenetic and fluorescence-based tools that allow for real-time control and visualization of neuronal signaling, focusing on crucial proteins such as AMPA receptors, PSD95, and Stargazin. Concurrently, I explore the brain's extracellular space (ECS), meticulously characterizing its diffusional properties and their influence on neuronal signaling through advanced spatially resolved microscopy.
Employing innovative techniques like Super-resolution Shadow Imaging (SUSHI) and integrating optogenetics with STED microscopy, I map the intricate architecture of the ECS and probe neuronal activity in live mouse brain tissue, utilizing organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.
During my PhD, I characterized and validated a range of fluorescent dyes, including a dual sensor for phosphate and biothiol imaging, a dye for detecting oxidative stress in vision-related pathologies, and a fluoride-containing dye for acetate sensing in cancer research. My contributions extend to the development of chloride-sensitive fluorescent proteins, and I have actively participated in several impactful projects funded by both European and national grants.