Quantitative Analysis of the Postsynaptic Inhibitory Complex In Vivo

Duke University, Durham NC

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Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Mutations affecting inhibitory transmission are also linked to many of our most devastating neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy, neonatal hyperekplexia, and intellectual disability (formally mental retardation). Yet in contrast with the excitatory synapse, the symmetric (inhibitory) postsynaptic complex does not have a morphological landmark and its purification using classical strategies is intractable. Thus, the biochemical nature of the symmetric synapse has largely eluded neuroscientists, and remains to this day a relative black box. This basic lack of fundamental knowledge concerning the signaling apparatus of the symmetric synapse poses a critical barrier to understanding how symmetric synapses develop, are modified by activity, or are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. This proposal will utilize a highly innovative approach to unveil the symmetric synaptic complex, revealing the internal machinery that governs inhibitory synapse development and function.