Molecular mechanisms of synaptic function

Continuous release of vesicles by synapses is critical to sustain proper information processing by the neuronal circuits. With a finite supply of fusion competent synaptic vesicles in each synapse, both the release and replenishment of vesicles must be balanced to sustain transmission, especially in the auditory brainstem with its rapid and large fluctuations in the firing rates of nerve cells. Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate synaptic vesicle availability is essential to understand how accurate encoding of the localization and intensity of binaural sound is achieved and maintained.