Gabrielle Rudenko

Gabrielle Rudenko, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Her research focuses on understanding synaptic protein networks, particularly the role of neurexins and synaptic organizers in neurological disorders. She holds a PhD from the University of Groningen and completed postdoctoral studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center/HHMI.

• Education: PhD in Molecular Toxicology (University of Groningen), Postdoctoral training in Neuropharmacology (UT Southwestern/HHMI)

Research Interests: Synaptic biology, protein interactions at synapses, structural basis of neurological disorders, and molecular mechanisms of synaptic adhesion. Dr. Rudenko uses biochemical, biophysical, and X-ray crystallography techniques to study how synaptic proteins like neurexins and neuroligins form networks critical for brain function. Her work emphasizes the implications of these proteins in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and other synaptopathies.

Recent articles highlight her work on neurexin interactions, MDGA1 conformational control, and redox switches in transcription factors. Her grants include NIH-funded projects on synaptic organizers and small molecule modulators of FosB. The lab collaborates on projects involving synaptic plasticity and drug development.

Grants & Funding:

• National Institute of Mental Health (Synaptic Organizers: Dynamic Regulation of Trans-synaptic Bridges)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (Small Molecule Modulators of FosB Function)

Lab Activities: The Rudenko Lab at UTMB employs advanced structural biology methods and collaborates internationally. Key projects include protein complex characterization and drug target discovery for neurological diseases.