Overview

Over the last decade, we have been developing novel nanoscale resolution imaging technology to directly visualize and study the fusion and recycling of individual synaptic vesicles at single central synapses with ~20 nm precision. Alongside this technology we developed additional computational tools, including advanced algorithms for image analysis and transient motion analysis. Together, this powerful set of tools makes it possible to dissect the fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission.

Progress

We are currently developing new tools to extend our imaging approaches to 3D and to use multicolor imaging to simultaneously detect vesicle recycling and fusion. We are also in the process of implementing TIRF microscopy to further improve spatial and temporal resolution of our measurements.