Objectif Recent studies in the Calyx of Held, a specialized synapse in the auditory pathway, have now produced clear evidence of heterogeneity in release-‘willingness’ among releasable vesicles. The general aim of this project is to investigate heterogeneity of release willingness in typical CNS synapses and to characterize the molecular mechanisms that control this heterogeneity. We will first develop a method that allows single synapse recording in primary cultured hippocampal neurons using pharmacological isolation of single visually identified (fluorescently labelled) synapses. By combining electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy and pharmacological tools (e.g. hyperosmotic sucrose to assess total synaptic release pool size), we will perform a detailed description of (the heterogeneity in) synaptic vesicle release from single synaptic boutons. In addition, the combined research methods permit simultaneous pre- and postsynaptic assessment of neurotransmission efficacy, allowing us to pioneer in segregating pre- and postsynaptic plasticity mechanisms. Furthermore, a recently developed EGTA-based calcium-cage (DMNPE-4) allows stringent control over presynaptic Ca2+ concentrations, thereby enabling detailed analysis of Ca2+-sensitivity of synaptic vesicles within a single presynaptic terminal. Similar analyses will be performed in neurons deficient for candidate molecules or expressing mutated candidate molecules, thereby illuminating their role in controlling release willingness and/or Ca2+ sensitivity of synaptic vesicles. A detailed understanding of these molecular mechanisms is a fundamental starting point for unravelling synaptic mechanisms behind learning and memory. In general, these efforts will provide new insights in synaptic processing and plasticity, bring us closer to the understanding of human pathogenic mechanisms in the terminal and may provide insights into the pathology of ‘synaptopathies’. Champ scientifique sciences naturellessciences physiquesoptiquemicroscopiesciences médicales et de la santémédecine fondamentalepathologie Mots‑clés Electrophysiology Fluorescence Imaging Neurotransmission Presynaptic release machinery Synaptic Plasticity Synaptic Vesicle Release Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) PEOPLE-2007-2-1.IEF - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinateur MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Adresse Hofgartenstrasse 8 80539 Munchen Allemagne Voir sur la carte Région Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Manfred Messerschmidt (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée
