Dynamics of synaptic vesicle endo- and exocytosis monitored by pH-sensitive fluorescent dye

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Neurons communicate with each others via chemical synapses. Synaptic events can be electrically recorded; however the interpretation of these events can be a challenging task due to the complexity of the network. Moreover, detailed information about the kinetics of synaptic vesicle pool recycling and depletion can only be obtained with techniques visualizing active synaptic vesicles. Recent developments in optical recording techniques, in combination with advances in fluorescent molecular probes provide an alternative method to study synaptic function. In the present grant we aim to investigate the secretion of synaptic vesicles at the mossy fibre system in the hippocampus. The objective of our proposal is to determine how different synaptic vesicle pools communicate with each others, how their function is modulated by different cations and, how these presynaptic functions relate to the unique physiological features of the mossy fibres. These studies will help us to better understand how neurons communicate with each other and how information is processed in the brain.