Regulation of glutamate receptor dynamics in mammalian central neurons (2019-2022)

This proposal is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication and how neurons modify their synaptic strength. Although these processes are essential for normal brain function, the precise underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. The proposed research will combine biochemical, molecular and cell biological assays, as well as electrophysiological measurements, to provide mechanistic insights into the molecular processes that control glutamate receptor trafficking in the postsynaptic compartment. This will elucidate how neural plasticity is generated and maintained, information that is critical for our understanding of sensory processing, learning and memory throughout life.