Urtė Neniskyte
CountryLithuania
Society affiliation Lithuanian Neuroscience Association
Position Professor
University/Organisation Vilnius University
Domain Cell Biology and Cell Types
Sub domains Microglia-neuron interactions
Lab description
We aim to define the molecular signalling pathways that drive this highly specific pruning of unnecessary synapses. For this, we use both ex vivo tissue cultures and genetically modified mouse lines. We are developing novel molecular tools for a rapid, selective and sensitive labelling of synaptic surface molecules. High-resolution fluorescent microscopy of developing circuits is supplemented with electrophysiology and animal behaviour experiments. We intend to define the synapses destined for elimination in vitro, and thereafter in vivo, and to elucidate their molecular signatures, giving first direct insights into the molecular cascades that are required for developmental synaptic pruning in the maturing circuits of the brain.