Zhong-Ping Feng

Research Synopsis

At the mature synapse, the presynaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels co-localize with synaptic elements at the active zone. However, the mechanisms underlying development of presynaptic architecture during synapse formation are largely unknown. Since synaptogenesis between identified pre- and postsynaptic neurons in a mammalian system is often difficult to study at a single cell level, our laboratory uses Lymnaea synapse as a model to determine cellular and molecular mechanisms by which voltage-dependent calcium channels and synaptic structural proteins are targeted to specific synaptic sites during synapse formation and synaptic plasticity. We subsequently test whether the mechanisms in invertebrate neurons are also conserved in mammals. We also study the molecular determinants of calcium channel functions and modulation, ion channel basis of rhythm generation and regulation, as well as the role of ion channels and calcium binding proteins in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The main experimental approaches used in our laboratory include patch clamp recordings, optical imaging, cell culture, immunocytochemical, biochemical and molecular biological techniques.