Ion channel function in axonal conduction (A10)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2014 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 118803580

We study whether novel KV1-Cx29 composite channels between axons and the inner tongue of myelin form open pores rendering them prime candidates for sensing activity via direct axon-glia communication. Bi-directional K+ flux is measured via membrane potential changes of oligodendrocytes in response to axonal stimulation and vice versa via the effect of optogenetically depolarized oligodendrocytes on axonal conduction. The consequence of deprivation- or genetic knockdown-induced decreased K+ flux on oligodendrocyte viability, myelination and circuit function is assessed using histology and electrophysiology.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 870: Assembly and Function of Neuronal Circuits in Sensory Processing
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Privatdozentin Dr. Conny Kopp-Scheinpflug