Prof. Dr. Thomas Dresbach
We study synapse formation with particular focus on the biogenesis of presynaptic nerve terminals and its control by transsynaptic signalling events. Our aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying presynaptic bouton generation and dynamics in enough detail to pinpoint molecular causes of synaptopathies and to predict and eventually develop strategies for treatment of such disorders. To this end, we use a combination of molecular and cellular biology, genetically modified mice, and state of the art live imaging approaches. Current research topics include :
- the identification and analysis of novel, vertebrate-specific presynaptic molecules
- the trafficking and assembly of synaptic complexes
- presynaptic bouton biogenesis and synaptic plasticity
- transsynaptic signals controlling presynaptic bouton biogenesis
These project lines together cover three fundamental levels of synapse formation i.e. molecular composition, assembly, and maturation.
Synapse formation and neuronal development
We study synapse formation with particular focus on the biogenesis of presynaptic nerve terminals and its control by transsynaptic signalling events. Our aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying presynaptic bouton generation and dynamics in enough detail to pinpoint molecular causes of synaptopathies and to predict and eventually develop strategies for treatment of such disorders. To this end, we use a combination of molecular and cellular biology, genetically modified mice, and state of the art live imaging approaches.
Current research topics include:
- the identification and analysis of novel, vertebrate-specific presynaptic molecules
- the trafficking and assembly of synaptic complexes
- presynaptic bouton biogenesis and synaptic plasticity
- transsynaptic signals controlling presynaptic bouton biogenesis
These project lines together cover three fundamental levels of synapse formation i.e. molecular composition, assembly, and maturation.
