We are interested in understanding the fundamental molecular principles regulating the assembly, function and plasticity of electrical synapses
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Role of glial gap junctions
Glial cells play crucial roles in development, maintenance and functioning of the nervous system. Glial cells form gap junctions as well as non-junctional-hemichannels (i.e. half, unopposed channels open to the extracellular milieu). We want to understand the molecular mechanisms by which glial gap junctions or non-junctional hemi-channels regulate nervous system development and ultimately the functional output. Also, what is the post-developmental, maintenance role of glial channels in regulating the nervous system architecture and function? |
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Plasticity of electrical synapsesPlasticity of the neuronal connectome allows animals to adapt to changing environment by modulating the information processing and ultimately by altering their behavior. We want to understand how plastic changes occur in the electrical synaptic connectivity. We have earlier shown that the neuron-type specific expression of innexin genes undergoes a striking extent of plasticity at the level of transcriptional gene regulation in response to environmental cues. We want to understand the additional mechanisms of electrical synaptic connectivity, with particular emphasis on the targeting of specific innexins to distinct synapses and the role of synapse associated proteins.
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We are using microscopy, genetics, biochemistry, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, various neuronal activity sensors and behavioural assays to guide the mission.