The Marshall lab investigates the signaling deficits underlying the cognitive deficits observed in Angelman syndrome (AS), a severe autism spectrum disorder. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key player in long-lasting increases in synaptic strength and learning.  The long-goal is the development of drugs that enhance BDNF signaling to restore cognition in AS, and the treatment of other neurological disorders, including major depressive disorder, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's.