Neuron

Capturing Neurotransmitter Receptors and Ion Channels



Neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the central nervous system are localized to synaptic and extrasynaptic membrane compartments of pre- and postsynaptic elements of neurons. The impact of the activation of these proteins on synaptic integration and regulation of transmitter release depends on their precise location relative to synapses, as well as on the density and coupling of molecules in microcompartments of the cells. High-resolution qualitative and quantitative visualization of membranebound receptors and ion channels is, therefore, essential for understanding their roles in cell communication.



EM Sample Preparation

Feb 15, 2013

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K-ATP Channels in Dopamine Substantia Nigra Neurons Control Bursting and Novelty-induced Exploration



Phasic activation of the dopamine (DA) midbrain system in response to unexpected reward or novelty is critical for adaptive behavioral strategies. This activation of DA midbrain neurons occurs via a synaptically triggered switch from low-frequency background spiking to transient high-frequency burst firing. We found that, in medial DA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), activity of ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels enabled NMDA-mediated bursting in vitro as well as spontaneous in vivo burst firing in anesthetized mice.



Laser Microdissection

Oct 05, 2012

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Sharp Live Images from the Mouse Brain



To explore the most intricate structures of the brain in order to decipher how it functions – Stefan Hell’s team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen has made a significant step closer to this goal. Using the STED microscopy developed by Hell, the scientists have, for the first time, managed to record detailed live images inside the brain of a living mouse.



Neuroscience

Mar 05, 2012

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Mapping Billions of Synapses with Microscopy and Mathematics



A combination of widefield imaging techniques and image segmentation analysis enable researchers to map learning-induced functional changes in individual synapses throughout the hippocampus.



Live-Cell Imaging

Apr 13, 2011

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Exploring the Concert of Neuronal Activities



Using imaging techniques such as confocal and two-photon microscopy, neuronal dendritic arborization of neurons and their synaptic interconnections can be visualized.



Confocal Microscopy

Nov 02, 2010

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The Morbus Parkinson Puzzle



A characteristic sign of M. Parkinson is the deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the mid-brain, specifically in the substantia nigra (SN, black substance). Different causes and forms of this disease have been identified. In the case of the genetic familial form, for example, it has been possible to identify various genes that have a causal influence for M. Parkinson.



Neuroscience

Nov 02, 2010

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Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of Ion Channels Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Cells



We will demonstrate how to study the functional effects of introducing a point mutation in an ion channel. We study G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (referred to as GIRK) channels, which are important for regulating the excitability of neurons. There are four different mammalian GIRK channel subunits (GIRK1-GIRK4) – we focus on GIRK2 because it forms a homotetramer.



Neuroscience

Oct 01, 2010

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New Standard in Electrophysiology and Deep Tissue Imaging





Neuroscience

Mar 17, 2009

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Observing Life’s Nanostructures with STED



The secrets of life and the causes of many diseases can only be fully explained if we understand the functions of the smallest components of organisms. Using the super high resolution STED microscope, research scientists are now able to observe cellular proteins and molecular structures measuring only a few nanometres.



Super-Resolution

Mar 17, 2009

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