Cellular Neurophysiology

The most fundamental function of nerve cells is the integration of their synaptic inputs to generate their propagating output signal, the action potential. The major aims of Dr Nusser’s laboratory are to understand how identified presynaptic nerve cells release neurotransmitters; how the released transmitter molecules activate their postsynaptic receptors; and how the generated postsynaptic potentials are integrated to generate an action potential. The Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology focuses on four major project areas using a variety of molecular, neuroanatomical, in vitro electrophysiological, imaging and in silico modeling approaches:

1. Reveal the molecular, structural and functional heterogeneity of cortical excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Determine the molecular specializations underlying the functional and structural diversity of synapses, such as the probability and short-term plasticity of transmitter release, and the extent of postsynaptic receptor activation.
2. Create a molecular map of the neuronal surface by determining the location and density of various voltage- and ligand-gated ion channel subunits in defined subcellular compartments of identified nerve cells, using quantitative light- and electron microscopic immunolocalization, in vitro electrophysiology and imaging approaches.

Excerpt from the Guidebook of the Institute 2015.

Ongoing research grants:

• 2018-2223: ERC Advanced Grant
• 2018-2022: NAP 2.0

Group webpage: Nusserlab.hu

Lab members: