CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF SYNAPTOGENESIS

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Understanding the process of communication between neurones in the brain is important problem in both basic physiology and the understanding of disease. The role that neurotransmitters play during the formation of synapses is currently unknown. I intend with the use of a new type of diamond electrode (with Prof G. Swain, Michigan State University) and novel signal processing techniques (with Prof. M. Wightman, University of North Carolina) to understand the roles played by multiple co-released neurotransmitters during neuronal regeneration and synaptogenesis in culture (with Prof. N. Syed, University of Calgary). pH changes will also be measured as an indicator of vesicular release from neurones and will be used to validate the response of the diamond electrodeLong-term recordings (days) and intracellular from regenerating neurones in the intact CNS will be attempted for the first time, with Dr M. Yeoman (University of Brighton) and at Imperial CollegeThe transfer of technology between the institutions involved will help advance the means of analytical measurement in this important area and have broader technological application and consolidate my skills at the interface of analytical science, neurophysiology and engineering. The total cost of the project is 43,000.