Der dritte Zelltyp der Synapse: Die Funktion von Schwann-Zellen bei der Bildung von neuromuskulären Endplatten

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas Misgeld
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2001 to 2004
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5345719

The project proposed in this application aims to characterize the relationship of peripheral glial cells - Schwann cells - and motor neurons during the formation of neuromuscular junctions in embryonic and early postnatal mice. We will use a number of state-of-the art in vivo imaging approaches on transgenic mice, which carry fluorescent genetic markers for the cell types involved in these processes. Techniques will be established to image and manipulate in vivo and in organotypic preparations the formation of neuromuscular synapses. We will describe the dynamic role of glial cells in synapse formation - a process, which finally leads to polyinnervated endplates, the substrate for the ensuing well characterized eliminiation of synapses. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of what has remained a poorly studied but fundamental process - the role of glia in synapse formation (phase I). In the long run, I want to extend the imaging approaches developed during the work proposed here to questions relating to cellular interactions in vivo during neuropathological conditions with a focus on neuroimmunological diseases. This will allow to combine my previous experience with the newly gained expertise (phase II).

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether International Fellowships
• Participating Person: Professor Jeff W. Lichtman, Ph.D.