Spatial and molecular determinants of fusion probability and timing

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At chemical synapses, neurons communicate each other through release of neurotransmitters. Synaptic transmission occurs in two kinetically distinct phases. Within milliseconds of an action potential, synaptic vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane synchronously across multiple synapses. Following synchronous fusion, synaptic vesicles continue to fuse with the plasma membrane over tens to hundreds of milliseconds. This phase of neurotransmission is called asynchronous release, and it becomes more apparent in pathophysiological conditions. Despite extensive research over the last 50 years, the nano-scale organization of synaptic vesicle fusion sites is poorly understood. Where do synchronous and asynchronous fusions take place within an active zone? Are fusion sites determined by the locations of calcium channels? Which calcium sensors are responsible for asynchronous fusion? Is there a separate pool of vesicles for asynchronous fusion? Or are the same pool of vesicles consumed for both phases? To address these questions, we have developed zap-and-freeze electron microscopy to follow membrane dynamics millisecond- by-millisecond. This technique couples electrical stimulation of neurons with high-pressure freezing to capture rapid membrane trafficking events at mammalian central synapses with unprecedented spatial (1 nm) and temporal (1 ms) resolution. Using this approach in combinations with advanced genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques, we will determine how fusion sites are organized at mammalian central synapses. Defects in synaptic transmission play a causal role in neurological disorders. The proposed research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission with the ultimate goal of understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases.