Molecular mechanisms of high-frequency transmission at a central synapse

我们神经系统中快速而精确的信息处理是基于神经细胞之间的突触传递。钙离子的内流触发了突触前末端充满递质的囊泡的融合。虽然许多潜在的蛋白质是已知的，但它们通过钙的调节以及它们的时空相互作用到目前为止还没有得到充分的理解。这是特别的情况，因为直接进入突触前终端已经建立在只有一些突触类型。因此，在本项目中，将在小鼠的急性脑切片中研究小脑苔藓纤维结（cMFB）。这些突触非常适合研究高频传输，因为它们可以传输几乎千赫兹范围的频率。为了揭示高频突触传递的分子机制，创新的高分辨率电生理以及光学方法将在cMFB相结合。这些结果对于我们理解中枢神经系统中的快速信息处理非常重要。

Rapid and precise information processing in our nervous system is based on the synaptic transmission between nerve cells. The influx of calcium ions triggers the fusion of transmitter filled vesicles at specialized presynaptic terminals. Although many of the underlying proteins are known, their regulation via calcium and their temporal and spatial interaction is up to now insufficiently understood. This is in particular the case because a direct access to the presynaptic terminal has been established at only some synapse types. In this project, cerebellar mossy fiber boutons (cMFBs) will therefore be investigated in acute brain slices of mice. These synapses are ideally suited to investigate high-frequency transmission, because they can transmit frequencies up to almost the Kilo-Hertz-range. To reveal the molecular mechanisms of high-frequency synaptic transmission, innovative high-resolution electrophysiological as well as optical methods will be combined at cMFBs. The results will be important for our understanding of rapid information processing in our central nervous system.