FOR 577:  Synaptic Inhibition: Molecular Determinants of Inhibitory Neurons Within Defined Networks

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: from 2005 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5471671

Neuronal inhibition is a central topic in modern neurosciences. Inhibitory neurons have unique functional and molecular properties and - most importantly - are key organising elements for spatio-temporal patterns of network activity, including neuronal network oscillations. Therefore, the complex morphoplogical, molecular and functional properties of specific inhibitory neurons must be studied within their local circuits. This will strengthen our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying higher functions at the behavioural and cognitive level.Heidelberg unites several groups with a strong interest in synaptic inhibition. The Research Unit shall join our forces to unravel the function of inhibitory neurons within defined neuronal networks at different levels of analysis (molecular, cellular, networks, behaviour). We share specific genetic models as well as a large variety of methodological approaches to study inhibition within several well-defined model systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Units

Projects

• A1: Molecular basis of glycine- and GABAA receptor clustering and signaling - A2: Inhibitory synapses and synaptic plasticity: structural and functional coupling of local synthesis with inhibitory ion channels (Applicant Kirsch, Joachim )
• Functional and anatomical characterization of Calretinin-positive hippocampal and neocortical interneurons (Applicant Rozov, Andrei )
• Glutamate receptors in GABAergic interneurons: from networks to behaviour (Applicant Monyer, Hannah )
• How GABAA receptor subtypes contribute to network oscillations (Applicant Monyer, Hannah )
• Presynaptic ionotropic GABA-receptors and inhibitory efficacy in hippocampal circuits (Applicant Draguhn, Andreas )
• Properties of GABA neurons enabling their role in the disinhibitory link between striatum and dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (Applicant Misgeld, Ulrich )
• Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular chloride concentration in hippocampal neurons: molecular basis and impact on GABAergic transmission (Applicant Kuner, Thomas )
• Z-Projekt (coordination and central funds) (Applicant Draguhn, Andreas )

• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Andreas Draguhn