Analysis of asymmetric distribution of neurotransmitter transporters and their function in Drosophila glial cells

• Applicant: Dr. Wilm Tobias Stork
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2007 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 50623400

In recent years it has become more and more obvious that the development and function of neuronal circuits is strongly dependent on intimate interactions of neurons and glia cells. While it has not yet been demonstrated that glia directly process information, they are essential to both support and modulate neuronal signaling. One important function of glia is to rapidly clear neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft after release, thereby allowing subsequent synaptic signaling and preventing detrimental effects of neuronal over activation. Neurotransmitters are imported into the glia cell via specialized neurotransmitter transporter proteins. To facilitate neurotransmitter uptake and clearance, glial cell protrusions are intensively contacting synapses and additionally neurotransmitter transporter molecules are specifically recruited to synapse-contacting processes. How glial cells establish and maintain the polarized localization of transporter molecules to synapses remains unclear.Here I propose to analyze the mechanisms of asymmetric neurotransmitter transporter recruitment to synapses using Drosophila as a model organism. These analyses will yield deeper understandings of neuron-glia interactions at synapses and how these can influence neuronal information processing.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Marc R. Freeman, Ph.D.