Local signaling for tight coupling of synaptic exo- and endocytosis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jürgen Klingauf
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2016 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316981207

In the CNS communication between neurons occurs at synapses by secretion of neurotransmitter via exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs). Given the limited number of SVs in presynaptic boutons a fast and efficient trafficking cycle is required. Within this proposal we use cultured mammalian hippocampal neurons in conjunction with high and superresolution imaging methods to understand how local membrane signaling platforms orchestrate resorting and recycling of exocytosed SV proteins and lipids for proper SV reformation: We aim at answering the following central questions: Do SV proteins / lipids in part remain clustered after exocytosis, thereby facilitating formation of pre-assembled endocytic structures at the endocytic zone? To what extent do self-assembly forces between SV proteins/lipids function in maintaining endocytic domains (readily retrievable pool at endocytic sites)? What is the trigger for compensatory endocytosis, i.e. what couples so tightly exo- and endocytosis despite their clear separation in two membrane domains?

• DFG Programme: Research Grants