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| Max Planck Research Group Sakaba |
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Biophysics of synaptic transmission
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Signaling between neurons is mediated largely by chemical synapses. Properties of chemical synaptic transmission differ among different connections, and even the same synapse changes its strength upon repetitive stimulation. It remains to be understood how transfer characteristics of the synapses affect overall neural circuit activity. Because of the small size of most presynaptic terminals, detailed properties of Ca2+-triggred transmitter release have remained relatively obscure. Number and localization of presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, Ca2+ buffering in the terminal and synaptic vesicle cycling affect the time course and the amount of transmitter release and yet await thorough investigation. In order to quantify these presynaptic properties, we are using the calyx of Held synapse, where the patch clamp method is applicable to both pre- and postsynaptic compartments. This approach provides a very controlled analysis of synaptic transmission and allows us to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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© 2012, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen |
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