Neurons communicate at specialized contacts called synapses. This structure is fundamental to our understanding of the brain. The composition, molecular organization, signaling function, and plasticity of excitatory synapses underlie experience-dependent changes in brain function associated with learning and memory. Not surprisingly, synaptic dysfunction is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. This conference will present the latest findings on excitatory synapse development, structure, function and plasticity. Specific topics include molecular mechanisms of synapse formation and maturation, analysis of neurotransmitter release and synaptic vesicle recycling, structural aspects of receptor function, cell biology of receptor trafficking, synaptic plasticity, and circuit function and the control of behavior. We will also introduce new optical imaging and perturbation techniques that have the potential to revolutionize the study of excitatory synapses at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Poster sessions will be emphasized and will provide ample opportunities for informal and formal discussions. To insure that the latest and most exciting results are presented, several speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts. We also have some funds to help with the cost of the meeting for poster presenters with preference given to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty.

Program Committee: A. V. Maricq, K. W. Roche, R. A. Nicoll, G. G. Turrigiano