From Nanostructures to Microcircuits in Health and Disease

Synapses are the main sites of communication in the nervous system and are also critically involved in several major brain diseases. The conference aims to increase our understanding of the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, to elucidate how synaptic transmission shapes neuronal network activity, and to link basic science on synapses to disease aspects. Several brain diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, schizophrenia, addiction and autism spectrum disorders, are emerging as synaptopathies, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. We will bring together a group of scientists who all are highly interested in synaptic function, but examine synapses at multiple levels, look at them from distinct perspectives, and use different approaches (molecular biology, super resolution imaging, electron microscopy, optogenetics, subcellular electrophysiology and many others). The program will have two keynote lectures in a session entitled "Synaptic transmission: From nanostructures to microcircuits" and eight sessions that address aspects of synaptic signaling, including mechanisms of presynaptic function, postsynaptic function, presynaptic as well as postsynaptic forms of plasticity, synaptic circuits, synaptic diseases, synapse development and synapse evolution. The conference will bring together a diverse group of investigators who are at the forefront of their field, and will provide ample opportunities for junior scientists to present their work. Furthermore, some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. The Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) directly preceding the GRC will make this meeting particularly attractive for graduate students, enabling them to directly exchange ideas with world-class leading scientists. Past participants have lauded this GRC for the uniquely high quality of unpublished data being presented and for the collegial and interactive atmosphere where scientists at all levels felt welcome to join in the discussion of most recent advances in the field.