The University of Queensland

Glycerotoxin a unique tool to investigate the dynamic interactions between N-type Ca2+ channels and the exo-endocytic machinery (2004–2006)

Abstract:

Communication between neurons relies on exocytosis a process in which synaptic vesicles containing a neurotransmitter release their content in the extracellular synaptic cleft. We have recently discovered a unique neurotoxin called glycerotoxin (GLTx) which selectively activates Ca2+ channels (Cav2.2) linked with the exocytic machinery in the Central Nervous System. GLTx provide a new tool to further dissect the role of Cav2.2 in controlling neurotransmitter release. GLTx also greatly facilitates synaptic vesicle recycling suggesting an unexpected link between Cav2.2 activation and the compensatory endocytic machinery. Our goal is to investigate functional coupling between Cav2.2 and the exo- and endocytic machineries using GLTx.

Grant type:

ARC Discovery Projects

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Frederic Meunier

  Professor and Academic Snr Gp Lead
  

  Queensland Brain Institute

Funded by:

Australian Research Council