The central nervous system is a highly organized system in which millions of neurons communicate using diffusible transmitters at adjustable synaptic connections. The regulation of synaptic transmitter release and transmitter uptake and dilution are key mechanisms keepig the excitation/inhibition balance in the brain. We are interested in exploring in how far brains really operate in a mode of point-to-point communication between neurons and how short- and long-term modifcations of vesicular transmitter release enable formation of memory and allow adaptable behavior.
We and others found that neurons also regularly synapse onto NG2-expressing oligodendrocyte precursor cells. We ask what is the role of this enigmatic and unique type of signaling between neurons and glial cells. We follow the idea that these synapses guide the development of oligodendrocytes and that manipulating this signalling may provide enterily new ways to treat demyelinating diseases.
In numerous collaborations within the Bonn Neuroscience Campus we apply physiological, molecular and morphological techniques in vitro, in slices and in vivo and use electrophysiology, FLIM/FRET/FCS, dSTORM, FIB-SEM, 2-photon, confocal and widefield imaging, deconvolution, tracing and 3D reconstructions.