Mechanisms of neuronal plasticity in the nanometer range

The relationship between nano-structural morphology and neuronal function is a central issue in modern neurobiology. The Nägerl team is investigating how nanoscale changes in dendritic spines and glial projections influence electrical and biochemical signal processing in neurons and astrocytes. 

Thanks to 3D-STED, it is possible to track these structures in living hippocampal tissue slices with high temporal and spatial resolution. Long-term imaging in vivo makes it possible to observe dynamic changes in spine structure during learning and memory processes and to correlate these with behavior and neuronal activity. Causal experiments with optogenetics and pharmacogenetics will elucidate how synaptic remodeling controls memory formation. By additionally visualizing presynaptic mechanisms and transsynaptic coordination, we will achieve a comprehensive analysis of neuronal plasticity from the sub-molecular level to memory formation.