Our research group investigates cellular mechanisms of synaptic transmission in central auditory neurons. These synapses in the auditory brainstem are characterized by numerous anatomical and biophysical adaptations that ensure a temporally precise transmission of sound information arriving from the cochlea. In the neuronal circuit of the auditory brainstem, information from both ears is integrated, taking into account the temporal component, whereby the localization of the sound sources is calculated.

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Current research projects investigate developmental processes that underlie the establishment of functionally distinct synapses in this circuit. In particular, we are investigating the development of the joint release of inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine and the importance of this cotransmission for hearing. Furthermore, we investigate the role of the paracrine release of the signaling molecule ATP in the development of the excitatory Held endbulb synapse (glutamatergic giant synapse).

To address our questions, we use current electrophysiological and imaging techniques in acute brain slices, cell cultures and in vivo. Furthermore, we use various microscopy techniques for structural investigations.