Grant: Operating Grant

We are interested in understanding how nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with each other within the brain. Neurons communicate at junctions called synapses. Modification of synaptic communication underlies fundamental processes, such as memory and learning. Synaptic commiunication is also affected by neurodegenerative disease. We believe that lipids, the molecules found in the membranes that surround neurons, influence the strength of synaptic communication. We have also discovered a new inactive structure of one neurotransmitter receptor, called an uncoupled state. We believe that nerve cells control the proportion of uncoupled versus functional receptors to fine tune communication at synapses. We also believe that these uncoupled receptors may form under neurodegenerative conditions. The goal of this research is to characterize this new uncoupled structure, understand the mechanisms by which lipids influence uncoupling, and ultimately synaptic communication, and thus achieve a better understanding of fundamental brain function during both normal and pathological conditions.