Presynaptic plasticity: novel functions and mechanisms - Pablo Castillo

Stanford Neurosciences Institute Seminar Series Presents

Presynaptic plasticity: novel functions and mechanisms -

Pablo Castillo, MD, Ph.D

Professor of Neuroscience, Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York

Host:  Lu Chen and Tom Sudhof

Abstract

Long-term synaptic plasticity (LTP/LTD) is critical for experience-induced neural adaptations in the brain. Synaptic plasticity can occur as a result of postsynaptic receptor modifications, or changes in amount of neurotransmitter released per action potential. While most research has focused on the mechanisms that underlie postsynaptic forms of plasticity, comparatively little is known about how neurotransmitter release is altered in a long-term manner. Importantly, increasing evidence indicates that presynaptic plasticity is a potent regulator of circuit output and likely underlies some forms of learning. In this lecture, Dr. Pablo Castillo (Professor of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine) will discuss recent discoveries on major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying presynaptic plasticity in the rodent hippocampus.