SFB 780: Synaptic Mechanisms of Neuronal Network Function

神经元大脑网络中的信息处理是在专门的接触部位进行的，称为突触。突触具有高度的多样性，其功能尚不完全清楚。这个合作研究中心的目的是研究大脑中已识别的突触的结构和功能特性，并了解它们的特性如何塑造神经元网络的动态活动。这个合作研究中心将专注于大脑皮层神经元网络。特别是，这个合作研究中心旨在实现三个长期目标。第一个目标是了解已识别的谷氨酸能和GABA能突触的信号传递机制。第二个目标是研究突触连接的调制、功能可塑性和结构可塑性。第三个目标是获取有关体内神经元活动的信息，并将这些信息与体外获得的有关突触功能的信息结合起来，开发现实的网络模型。这种互动的实验-理论方法可能会在数量水平上大幅提高我们对神经元网络功能的理解。跨学科研究方案旨在通过使用分子、遗传、形态、功能和成像技术来表征神经元网络，以澄清神经科学的这些中心问题。这些研究将涵盖从简单的动物模型到人脑的研究。长期目标是了解高级大脑功能的突触基础，并更接近神经科学的中心目标。

Information processing in neuronal brain networks takes place at specialised contact sites, termed synapses. Synapses are highly diverse, and their function is incompletely understood. The aim of this Collaborative Research Centre is to study the structural and functional properties of identified synapses in the brain and to understand how their properties shape the dynamic activity of neuronal networks. This Collaborative Research Centre will concentrate on cortical neuronal networks. In particular, this Collaborative Research Centre aims three long-term goals. The first goal is to understand the mechanisms of signal transmission of identified glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. The second goal is to examine modulation, functional plasticity and structural plasticity at synaptical junctions. The third goal is to acquire information about neuronal activity in vivo and to use this information, together with information about synaptic function obtained in vitro, to develop realistic network models. The interactive experimental-theoretical approach is likely to lead to a substantial increase in our understanding of neuronal network function at a quantitative level. The interdisciplinary research programme aims to clarify these central questions of neuroscience with characterisation of neuronal networks using molecular, genetic, morphological, functional and imaging techniques. The studies will cover investigations from simple animal models up to the human brain. The long-term goal is to understand the synaptical basis of higher brain functions and to get closer to a central goal of neurosciences.