Synaptic Transmission and Membrane Fusion Lab

Intracellular membrane trafficking and synaptic transmission among neurons occurs through the controlled fusion of two lipid membranes.  In intracellular traffic the donor and acceptor membranes transport proteins to the different organelles and participate in the quality control of protein synthesis. Neuronal communication occuring at synapses is central for all brain function. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion is a fundamental biological question. We are interested in the biophysics of this process and how Ca triggers fusion.

We use electrophysiological, electrochemical and imaging methods to study membrane fusion and synaptic transmission in several cellular systems (Chromaffin cells, mast cells and hippocampal neurons). In the process of studying membrane fusion you have to learn molecular biology, patch clamp, single cell electrochemistry, epi fluorescence in live cells, cell culture techniques, image processing and analysis, mouse genetics, electronics, some mathematics and physics. On the left, a chromaffin cell ready for patch amperometry. On the right, hippocampal neurons in culture. Synaptic boutons (bright spots) transfected with synaptopHluorin

The  process of membrane fusion