Structural and functional diversity of the axon initial segment of principal neurons in hippocampal ensembles. (A03)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243553651

Axon-carrying dendrites (AcDs) constitute a privileged channel for excitatory synaptic input in a subset of hippocampal pyramidal cells. We could show that AcD and nonAcD cells are differently recruited into functional ensembles and hypothesize that the privileged input channel can additionally be dynamically regulated by different functional states (i.e. network oscillations). In this context we want to test how AcDs are developed during corticogenesis, how they are innervated by specific excitatory and inhibitory inputs, and whether they remain structurally and functionally plastic throughout life. Thus, we anticipate contributing to important questions on how cellular mechanisms determine state- and experience-dependent formation of ensembles.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1134: Functional ensembles: cellular components, patterned activity and plasticity of co-active neurons in local networks
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Privatdozent Dr. Martin Both; Professor Dr. Christian Schultz