Neurobiology Laboratory
Head of laboratory:
This laboratory conducts research into the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission in the nervous system, with specific emphasis on the phenomena known as synaptic plasticity, that is the ability of the brain to alter the structure of its own circuitry over seconds to minutes. This work stems from the recent discovery that synapses may change their properties and connections over minutes, rather than the longer time-scale normally associated with recovery from neurological accidents, and that this involves the dynamic activity of the enveloping glial cells. Furthermore, blood capillaries also appear to play a major role in the maintenance of synaptic activity. As such, this laboratory is investigating the role of glial cells and capillaries in maintaining and instigating the dynamic properties of synapse associated with diseased states of the nervous system.
Of particular interest are the following questions:
- Do astrocytes form networks for selective information transfer and if so how do these networks modify neuronal networks?
- How do astrocytes convey information about synaptic activity to capillaries and arterioles?
- What are the mechanisms of transmission between astrocytes and the smooth muscle of arterioles?
- What are the mechanisms by which glial cells determine the growth of new synaptic connections in the mature nervous system?
- What are the mechanisms of transmission between astrocytes?
- To what extent do changes in astrocyte/microglia networks occur in disease states of the brain?
