Freiburg neurobiologists elucidate the spatial and temporal
dynamics of specific glutamate receptors in the brain
Dr. Uwe Schulte, Dr. Jochen Schwenk, Prof. Dr. Bernd Fakler,
and their team have elucidated the enormous spatial and temporal dynamics in
protein composition of the AMPA-type glutamate receptors, the most important
excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. These receptors are located
in the synapses, the contact points between two nerve cells, where they are
responsible for the rapid signal transduction and information processing. The
results illustrate that the receptors are far more diverse than previously
anticipated and pave the way for research into their functions in the various
regions of the brain. The biologists published their findings in the journal
Neuron.