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Molecular architecture of the neuronal synapse

Objectif

This project aims to unravel the molecular architecture of the structural components of the presynaptic terminal of hippocampal neurons grown in culture and to elucidate their functional properties. These are closely related to the synaptic vesicle release, one of the central questions in synaptic function, as well as with the development and maturation of synapses. The investigation of the structural relations among synaptic vesicles and between synaptic vesicles as well as other membranous and cytoskeletal structures at the presynaptic terminals are of consequence for the apprehension of neurotransmitter pools and will eventually help explain the neuronal behaviour in physiological stimulus experiments. More specifically, the project sets out to elucidate the role of large dense-core vesicles in the transport of the presynaptic scaffolding protein Bassoon Packets of dense core vesicles, together with vesicular and tubulovesicular structures, are thought to transport presynaptic scaffolding molecules such as Bassoon and Piccolo, as well as other proteins needed for the assembly of presynaptic terminals. Although these packets are mostly mobile, they can be stabilized when a stable contact with a dendrite is formed, presumably forming a nascent synapse. It has been proposed that such as the fusions of dense core vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane are required for the development of functional presynaptic terminals from these contacts. To achieve these objectives we are to use a cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) approach. Prior to the knowledge acquisition, the conditions and developing methods needed to detect synapses suitable for cryo-ET investigations in an efficient and reproducible manner must be established.

Appel à propositions

FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
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Coordinateur

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Contribution de l’UE
€ 81 580,50
Adresse
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 Munchen
Allemagne

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Région
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Type d’activité
Research Organisations
Contact administratif
Wolfgang Baumeister (Prof.)
Liens
Coût total
Aucune donnée