Techniques and Methods

We combine a plethora of methods for the investigation of the role of specific molecules in the physiology and pathophysiology of synapses in the CNS.

• We use in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology for functional analyses.
• We investigate synaptic and neuronal function (e.g. short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity) in acute brain slices.
• Ultra-fast application of agonists onto nucleated or outside-out patches is done for the analyses of gating of ionotropic receptors (e.g. glutamate receptors).
• Data from the electrophysiological experiments are used for computational models of receptor gating.
• In collaboration with the FTN, we currently establish a multi-patch setup to investigate neuronal communication in acute brain slices.
• With tetrode in vivo recordings of neuronal activity and 2P-microscopy of Action potential-driven Ca⁺²-transients, we investigate the role of synaptic Proteins in neuronal Network activity and Information processing.
• Gene and protein expression is investigated by oligoprobe and fluorescent in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry.
• Finally, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, primary neuronal cell cultures, expression of proteins in heterologous cells and confocal microscopy are techniques that are routinely used in our laboratory for the functional analyses of synaptic proteins .

Impressions of the technical equipment (and some scientists):