Matt Barraza
PhD Candidate
Contractor Lab
Department of Neuroscience
Title: Syt7 regulates presynaptic short-term plasticity in hippocampal mossy fiber synapses
Abstract: In the hippocampus, dentate gyrus granule cells form mossy fiber (MF) synapses onto CA3 pyramidal cells. This synapse exhibits robust short term presynaptic plasticity that is responsible for gating the flow of information into the CA3 region. The MF synapse has a unique anatomical structure, with a large glutamatergic presynaptic bouton containing many active zones. These active zones are the sites of vesicle release, where multiple proteins can regulate release. The high affinity Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) has been identified as responsible for multiple forms of presynaptic short-term plasticity. However, its subcellular localization and functional contribution to the synaptic vesicle lifecycle at mossy fiber synapses remains unknown. To address this question, we have created a conditional knockout mouse line where Syt7 is lost in MF presynaptic terminals. Utilizing whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology, high resolution biochemical approaches and an automated touch screen behavioral task, I have identified the protein as a critical regulator of short-term plasticity at mossy fiber synapses.
Jenna Ward
(815) 529-6182
Email