Sounds in Silence: How the Cochlea Promotes Refinement of Auditory Circuits before Hearing Onset

NIH Neuroscience Seminar Series Robert Wenthold Memorial Lecture Dr. Bergles lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms by which neurons and glial cells interact to support normal communication in the nervous system. Neurons transmit information at specialized synaptic junctions, points of contact where action potentials elicit the release of a chemical neurotransmitter. Neurotransmission at excitatory synapses involves the vesicular release of glutamate, diffusion and binding of glutamate to various receptors, and uptake of glutamate by transporters. Transporters are critical for ensuring that receptors are available to bind glutamate during subsequent release events, as well as for limiting receptor activation so that excitotoxic damage does not occur. Transporters may also shape the activation of receptors on a more rapid time scale during synaptic transmission. Glutamate transporters belong to a multigene family consisting of five members, EAAT1-5 (EAAT for Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter). EAAT1 and EAAT2 are expressed in glial cells, primarily astrocytes and Bergmann glia. The critical role of these glial transporters has been shown by the abnormal neuronal signaling and profound behavioral consequences observed when their activity is reduced. They study the properties of these glutamate transporters in expression systems as well as in acute tissue such as the hippocampus and cerebellum. Glutamate transporters harness the energy stored in the electrochemical gr...
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