Molecular mechanisms of high-frequency transmission at a central synapse

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stefan Hallermann
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 204189369

Rapid and precise information processing in our nervous system is based on the synaptic transmission between nerve cells. The influx of calcium ions triggers the fusion of transmitter filled vesicles at specialized presynaptic terminals. Although many of the underlying proteins are known, their regulation via calcium and their temporal and spatial interaction is up to now insufficiently understood. This is in particular the case because a direct access to the presynaptic terminal has been established at only some synapse types. In this project, cerebellar mossy fiber boutons (cMFBs) will therefore be investigated in acute brain slices of mice. These synapses are ideally suited to investigate high-frequency transmission, because they can transmit frequencies up to almost the Kilo-Hertz-range. To reveal the molecular mechanisms of high-frequency synaptic transmission, innovative high-resolution electrophysiological as well as optical methods will be combined at cMFBs. The results will be important for our understanding of rapid information processing in our central nervous system.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants