Grant: Operating Grant

Changes in synaptic connections are thought to underlie learning and memory, and are a fundamental part of human cognitive function. Using hippocampal neurons grown on silicon wafers, we have established a unique and robust experimental paradigm to investigate the 3 parts of this process - the Dendrite, the Axon and the Synapse between them. Combined with our discovery of a new way to guide axons to their target, we can use our neuronal-silicon interface to understand the mechanisms underlying this important part of brain function. By determining the roles of key molecules involved, insight into the mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in conditions such as autism could be gained and may ultimately provide a target for therapeutic intervention.