3D Structure and Function of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

One of the most important mechanisms by which nerve cells communicate with one another is signaling at chemical synapses, junctions between nerve cells where a released neurotransmitter is detected by neighboring cells, initiating electrical and chemical signaling pathways. This mechanism of signal transduction at chemical synapses not only underpins genetically encoded messaging pathways, such as those involved in breathing and cardiac function, but it is also central to learning and memory. The research supported by this proposal is focused on elaborating the molecular mechanisms of signaling at chemical synapses.