Synaptic Transmission

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will investigate how neurons and glial cells communicate with each other. We will review basic cell biology necessary for understanding processes important for synaptic transmission between neurons and communication between glia and neurons, including protein trafficking, membrane properties, and vesicular transport. This background will allow us to consider in detail how specific chemical neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, dopamine, serotonin, histamine, norepinephrine, neuropeptides, endocannabinoids, etc) function to send different types of information between neurons and glial cells. However, since various functions of the central nervous system are largely defined by structure, we will include a brief overview of human neuroanatomy. We will use each of these transmitter systems to explore general principles of neurons (mechanisms for transducing a signal from outside the cell to the inside, the complexity and evolutionary relatedness of receptor subtypes, differences in signal transmission versus signal modulation, methods for organization of cellular membrane proteins), and relate these principles back to the fundamental biological concepts. We will also investigate how the various neurotransmission systems are altered by medicines, drugs of abuse, and toxins; students will be responsible for giving brief oral presentations on the molecular actions of these molecules. We will consider how disruption of specific neuronal pathways affects specific systems due to the defined anatomy. Finally, we will discuss in detail, papers from the primary literature to highlight advances and areas of interest in mechanisms of synaptic transmission. In addition to class assignments, exams, and quizzes, you must submit an original research paper in the style of a grant proposal. BIOL-5000 is intended for first- and second-year graduate students with a neuroscience background.