Subtle changes take place deep inside our brain every instant we learn. store or retrieve information. The molecular basis of memory is explained by the ability of synaptic connections to persistently modify their properties in response to neuronal activity. However, no one has ever observed how these changes occur in a single synapse in real time.

I will present data showing the chronology of the synaptic remodeling that takes place during memory formation. unraveled by the combination of different optical techniques. We stimulated single synapses by tvvo-photon glutamate uncaging and visualized protein movement using fluorescent and photoactivatable chimeras. This led us to propose a three-phase temporal model. where different substructures show independent rules of plasticity. We confirmed this model by using a novel photo-labeling procedure that correlates two-photon and electron microscopy. In addition. vve discovered a unique protein that accumulates persistently during single-synapse potentiation. and identified its binding targets by FRET life-time imaging (FLIM). We propose that this molecule plays a crucial role in the process of memory tagging.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 11:45. Seminar Room

Hosted by Dr. Susana Santos