Energy optimization as an organizing principle for protein dynamics at the synapse (C11*)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317475864

Our prior modelling work suggests that protein dynamics inside neurons can be described using coupled diffusion equations capturing parameters such as protein translation from mRNAs, lateral diffusion, degradation, uptake into spines, and others. In this project, we will study how synapses organize their energy budget for all of these parameters, and study what strategies the pre- and post-synapse use to minimize their energy budgets, while maintaining function.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1286: Quantitative Synaptology
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko