Functional characterization of the vertebrate-specific presynaptic protein mover in the calyx of Held [Elektronische Ressource] / presented by Christoph Körber

DISSERTATIONsubmitted to theCombined Faculties for the Natural Sciences and for Mathematicsof the Ruperto-Carola University of Heidelberg, Germanyfor the degree ofDoctor of Natural Sciencespresented by:Christoph Körber, M.Sc. in Biochemistryborn in: Bergisch GladbachOral-examination:: ................................................Functional characterization of the vertebrate-specific presynaptic protein Mover in the calyx of HeldReferees: Prof. Dr. Thomas Kuner Prof. Dr. Stephan FringsSummarySignal transduction at chemical synapses in the central nervous system relies on the tightly regulated release of neurotransmitter from the active zone of the presynaptic compartment. Although key components of the machinery responsible for transport, docking, priming and fusion of synaptic vesicles have been identified, our understanding of the regulation of this complex process is still incomplete. This is especially true for the probability of release, which determines whether or not one or more synaptic vesicles get released upon arrival of an action potential at the active zone. Albeit the probabilistic nature of neurotransmitter release is one of the key features underlying higher order brain functions such as learning and memory, the mechanisms that regulate this process remain largely elusive.In the present study, we examined the functional properties of the recently identified presynaptic vertebrate-specific protein Mover.