Research Interests

Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release Regulation

The chemical synapse is a specialized cell-to-cell contact site that connects neurons in the central nervous system, and enables neurons to activate muscle cells. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in response to increased calcium levels in a process called synaptic exocytosis. The released neurotransmitter activate their receptors and transduce their signal to the internal milieu of the postsynaptic cell. This completes the transfer of information from the pre- to the postsynaptic cell.

Our laboratory is interested in the molecular mechanism of exocytosis. We are using molecular, biochemical, and neurochemical techniques in our studies. A particular interest is the identification of proteins of the release machinery that are regulated during the development of synaptic plasticity. Regulation of these proteins appears to play a role in the emergence of higher brain functions such as learning and memory and alterations in mood.

Selected Publications

• Lonart, G., Sudhof, T.C. (2000) Assembly of SNARE core complexes prior to neurotransmitter release sets the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 27703-27707
• Khvotchev, M., Lonart, G., Sudhof, T.C. (2000) Role of calcium in neurotransmitter release evoked by alpha-latroxin or hypertonic sucrose. Neurosci. 101, 793-802
• Lonart, G., Janz, R., Johnson, K.M., Sudhof, T.C. (1998) Molecular mechanisms of mossy fiber LTP. Neuron 21, 1141-1150
• Lonart, G., Sudhof, T.C. (1998) Region specific phosphorylation of rabphilin in mossy fiber nerve terminals of the hippocampus. J. Neurosci. 18, 634-640.
• Lonart, G., Johnson, K.M. (1995) Characterization of nitric oxide generator-evoked hippocampal [3H]norepinephrine release: I. Role of glutamate. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 275, 7-13.

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