Molecular studies of excitatory and inhibitory CA1 synapses in synaptic plasticity

A balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition is crucial for normal brain physiology; upsetting this balance underlies various brain pathologies. To shed light on the molecular underpinnings of this regulation at the synapse level, this project will investigate the dynamics of glutamate- and GABA-A synapses and receptors in CA1 hippocampus under baseline conditions and in response to synapse potentiation. Specifically, using structural, functional and imaging approaches we will study both, spiny glutamatergic and aspiny GABA-ergic CA1 synapses and associated receptor complexes (AMPA-type glutamate and GABA-A) and how these change at the synapse- and receptor levels in response to LTP (long-term potentiation) induction. Our aim will be to monitor changes of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses and receptors at pyramidal neurons (glutamate) and/or parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons at various points after LTP induction. We will monitor changes in synapse size and receptor composition using advanced imaging and electrophysiological approaches.