Ribbon synapses
Our eyes experience a wide range of light intensity throughout the day. Photoreceptors and bipolar cells of the retina exhibit graded synaptic release - the rate of neurotransmitter release is proportional to the stimulus intensity. This type of neurotransmission allows continuous signal transmission at different frequencies to encode light intensity. These cells possess a specialized form of proteinaceous electron-dense projection: the synaptic ribbon. Synaptic vesicles are tethered to the ribbons, and these vesicles are thought to constitute the release-ready pool of vesicles. However, how this architecture promotes graded release of neurotransmitter remains enigmatic. We have developed an approach, flash-and-freeze, that captures membrane dynamics in electron micrographs with millisecond temporal resolution. Using this approach, we are pursuing the following two projects.
Current projects
- Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of synaptic vesicles exocytosis
- Elucidating the role synaptic ribbons play
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