Rate My Professor Samuel Young Jr

Young's research investigates the molecular mechanisms regulating presynaptic function, particularly at the calyx of Held synapse in the auditory brainstem, to understand synaptic vesicle priming, calcium channel regulation of neurotransmitter release, and replenishment of the readily releasable pool of vesicles essential for precise sound encoding. His laboratory has pioneered helper-dependent adenoviral vectors enabling cell-type specific expression of large transgenes in neurons, advancing gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and auditory disorders. Key publications include 'Presynaptic deletion of GIT proteins results in increased synaptic strength at a mammalian central synapse' (Neuron, 2015), 'Presynaptic mitochondria volume and abundance increase gradually with development and are invariant with acute activity at the calyx of Held synapse' (Journal of Neuroscience, 2019), 'Development of adenoviral vectors that transduce Purkinje cells and other cerebellar cell-types in the cerebellum of a humanized mouse model' (Molecular Therapy Methods & Clinical Development, 2024), and 'CaV2.1 α1 subunit motifs that control presynaptic CaV2.1 subtype abundance are distinct from CaV2.1 preference' (Journal of Physiology, 2023). He received the 2020 UI Health Care Distinguished Scholar award, providing $200,000 annually for three years to support his synaptic research. Young has delivered invited lectures, such as the Distinguished Lecture Series in Physiology at UC Davis in 2022, and serves on thesis committees and as a mentor in neuroscience programs.