Prof. Dr. Guenter Schwarz
 

Institute of Biochemistry
Department of Chemistry &
Center for Molecular Medicine  

University of Cologne，Germany
 

　　Building the inhibitory synapse: The multiple functions of gephyrin

　　Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016

　　Venue: Room B-321, Medical Science Building,Tsinghua University

　　Host: Prof. Jijie Chai

　　Glycine (GlyR) and gamma amino butyric acid type A receptors (GABA_AR) are inhibitory neuro-receptors that belong to the superfamily of ligand-gated pentameric ion channels (Cys-loop family). Localization of these receptors in time and space is crucial for efficient synaptic transmission and the precise regulation of many neuronal functions. The multifunctional protein gephyrin plays a critical role in organizing postsynaptic structures at inhibitory synapses. It has been postulated to form a sub-membranous scaffold by trimerization of its N-terminal G-domain and dimerization of its C-terminal E-domain. The molecular mechanism of gephyrin oligomerization, trafficking and receptor organization is still poorly understood. GABA_A receptors are primary mediators of inhibitory neurotransmission in the adult brain. They are involved in a number of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including epilepsy, sleep disturbances, alcoholism, chronic pain, schizophrenia, and others.

　　Dr. Guenter Schwarz is currently interested in:

1. Molecular basis of postsynaptic clustering and functional diversity of gephyrin
2. Clustering mechanism of GABAA receptors
3. Structure and function of ligand-gated ion channels