Regulating the wheels behind synaptic transmission

Internal Seminar: Laurent Guillaud, Staff Scientist, Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit (Takahashi Unit)
 

Title: "Regulating the wheels behind synaptic transmission"

Abstract: In living organisms, communication between cells is critical to sustain physiological functions and life. This is particularly the case in mammalian brain, where communication and transfer of information between neurons is essential to maintain brain functions such as learning and memory. Impairments in synaptic transmission are often associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The exchange of information between 2 neurons take place at the synapse, where the pre-synaptic neuron releases chemical signals –the neurotransmitters – into the gap between the neurons. These neurotransmitters will then bind to receptors at the surface of the post-synaptic neuron, transferring the signal from the first neuron to the next.

Neurotransmitters are contained and carried away in bubble-like organelles called synaptic vesicles. When action potential reaches the pre-synaptic terminal, synaptic vesicles fuse with the pre-synaptic neuron membrane and release the neurotransmitter in a process called exocytosis. Later on, synaptic vesicles are retrieved from the plasma membrane in a process called endocytosis, refilled with neurotransmitters and reused. Although the mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis are well characterized, the movements and supply of synaptic vesicles within the pre-synaptic terminals are poorly understood.

Here I will present our latest results concerning the movements of synaptic vesicles in glutamatergic synapses. By analyzing the dynamic properties and behavior of synaptic vesicles in various conditions and between different types of synapses, we identified several factors determining their movements and supply in central synapses. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms associated with these factors might further enhance our understanding of synaptic transmission in healthy as well as in diseased brain

Refreshments will be served afterwards. We hope to see you there!
 

Sincerely,
 

Internal Seminar Organizing Committee:

Marylka Yoe Uusisaari
Bianca Sieveritz
Rob Campbell
Margaret Mars-Brisbin
Lauren Dembeck
Maeva Techer
Jigyasa Arora
Yuka Suzuki