Coarse-grained simulation of the role of local environment on presynaptic release: from fusion to fission (C06*)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317475864

Exocytosis and recovery (endocytosis) of synaptic vesicles are central ingredients of the function of the synapse. Using computer simulation of coarse-grained molecular models, we will test, under which conditions fusion can be stopped and reverted to endocytosis. The role of multiple environment parameters on the change of membrane topology will be investigated: 1) lipid properties, 2) the role of SNARE fusion proteins and fission proteins of the dynamin family, and 3) intermembrane and membrane geometry.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1286: Quantitative Synaptology
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Marcus Müller