The main aim of my research is to elucidate the basic mechanisms underlying central synaptic transmission and to understand how the properties of synaptic connections influence higher level processing of electrical signals between neurons. We use a variety of experimental approaches, including high temporal resolution confocal microscopy and patch-clamp recording from neurons in brain slices together with quantitative analysis and modeling methods. Specific areas of interest include the dynamics and modulation of transmitter release. To this end, we are examining how transmitter release probability is governed by the activity of the presynaptic neuron and how it is modulated by spillover of transmitter from other cells. It is hoped that this bottom up approach will allow us to understand both the mechanisms underlying short-term synaptic plasticity and its role in information processing in brain.
Glutamate spillover suppresses inhibition by activating presynaptic mGluRs.
Nature 404, 498-502. A New Graphical and Analytical Approach. Neurotransmission at synapses with single and multiple release sites. S.J. Redman, S.M. Thompson and J.S. Altman. Silver, R.A., Colquhoun.