Quantal fluctuations of glutamate in neurotransmission

Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter involves in all main brain functiosn such as behavior, memory and learning, and also brain diseases. Despite decades of research it remains unclear how neurons regulate glutamate during transmission.

This deficiency is largely because of the technological challenge to quantitatively and timely measure rapid single synaptic glutamate efflux during neurotransmission.

To solve this, new technical approaches are needed.In this project, the main goal is to address challenging, unresolved fundamental questions on quantal synaptic transmission at glutamate synapses of cells at healthy and diseased states.

In a collaborative effort of the labs Cans (Chalmers), Heinrider (Gothenburg U) and Lou (The Medical College of Wisconsin) we will realize this using new ultrafast glutamate sensors to explore the nature of quantized glutamate at central synapses and to address how quantal glutamate transmission relate to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory in particular.

In addition, we will address how plaque formation in Alzheimer´s disease may affect synaptic vesicles and glutamate activity at presynaptic terminals.These are incredibly important goals as new analytical tools for glutamate is critical.

Importantly, knowledge on glutamate neurotransmission in the healthy brain is also important to better understand mechanisms for brain diseases and allows to help future prevention and treatment by neuropharmacological agents.