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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 Senior Group
    Queensland Brain Institute
    of Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and
    Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research
    Queensland Brain Institute
    of Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and
    Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research
    Queensland Brain Institute
    Affiliate Professor of Institute fo
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Funded by:
Australian Research Council