Dr. Colón-Ramos describes his group’s finding of a previously-unknown metabolic subcompartment that powers synaptic function. His group observed that under conditions of energy stress, glycolytic proteins, which are normally diffusely distributed in cells, co-localize to a punctate structure adjacent to synapses. The local formation of these complexes is required for the synaptic vesicle cycle and synaptic function. The discoveries contribute to an unsolved question in neuroscience: how local, rapid and transient changes in energy demands are met at synapses to sustain their function. He frames his lab’s cell biological findings in the context of the long history of research of energy metabolism, drawing new lessons and discussing how the discoveries now provide new opportunities to examine the cell biology of metabolism at the neuronal synapse.
View the full talk with additional resources on our website
Cell Biology of the Neuronal Synapse and Behavior in C. elegans
How is the neuronal synapse assembled to produce specific behaviors and store memories? Dr. Colon-Ramos studies C. elegans to address this fundamental question. (Talk recorded in July 2017)
- Part 1: Cell Biology of the Neuronal Synapse and Behavior in C. elegansAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:34:04 - Part 2: Mechanisms of Neuronal Synapse Assembly and Function: Lessons from C. elegansAudience:
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:38:27 - Part 3: Actuating Memory: How C. elegans Remembers a Learned Behavioral PreferenceAudience:
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:37:57