Ca2+-dependent vesicle trafficking in the photoreceptor synapse (A07)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2011 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 157660137

In A07, we will characterize the function of newly discovered proteins at photoreceptor ribbon synapses using transfected retinal slices, mutant mouse models and transgenic reporter mice for exo- and endocytosis as well as high-resolution morphological, imaging, biochemical, pharmacological and behavioral analyses. Furthermore, we will study Ca2+-dependent mechanisms of exo- and endocytosis at the photoreceptor synaptic ribbon complex. From the experiments, we expect novel insights into synaptic signalling at photoreceptor synapses that are also relevant for the understanding of inherited retinal diseases.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 894: Ca2+-Signalling: Molecular Mechanisms and Integrative Functions
• Applicant Institution: Universität des Saarlandes
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Frank Schmitz