SFB 406:  Synaptic Interaction in Neuronal Networks

Subject Area Medicine
Term from 1995 to 2006
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5480083
 

Project Description

The central nervous system consists of networks, within which and between which highly specialized nerve cells act through synaptic connections. In these networks, specific information is coded in the space-time patterns of activity of the individual neurons and transmitted via synapses. By the cooperative interaction of individual synaptic processes an information integration is achieved that can be modified in a cell-specific way by neuromodulatory processes. The synaptic interactions within single or coupled neuronal assemblies makes a dynamic adaptation of complex network functions possible, leading ultimately to the "behavior" of an organism.The research program focuses on the analytical investigation of the processes that contribute to the stabilization and dynamic adaptation of the synaptic coupling of identified neurons in functionally intact neural networks. The research centre is working toward an integrative approach to the central nervous system based on the analysis of elementary mechanisms at the lowest level. An initial goal is therefore to establish the logical rules of connection between the molecular factors and the biophysical function of synapses up to the integration of synaptic information in cells and cell assemblies.To this end it will be necessary to understand the basic mechanisms of formation, specific elimination and reorganization of synaptic connections and the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission and its modulation. In addition, the actual contribution of particular membrane properties to the control of network functions must be clarified. This attempt to deepen our understanding of the significance of synaptic interactions in networks depends on knowledge of the structural organization of networks and, therefore, forces us to choose relatively simple networks. The results of the research centre work should help us to understand the biophysical and molecular-biochemical mechanisms and functions of simple networks.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
International Connection United Kingdom

Completed projects

Applicant Institution Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Participating Institution Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH (DPZ)
Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung; Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie
(Karl-Friedrich-Bonhoeffer-Institut) (aufgelöst); Max-Planck-Institut für experimentelle Medizin (aufgelöst)
Spokesperson Professor Dr. Diethelm Wolfgang Richter