Discovering new intrinsic trafficking partners (iTRAPs)

Brain cells communciate by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. This event occurs when a neurotransmitter-containing synaptic vesicle merges with the outside of the cell. For brain communication to be sustained, these vesicles have to be remade quickly and reliably. Key to this process are intrinsic trafficking partners (iTRAPs) which safeguard the accurate formation of vesicles by ensuring the correct components are packaged. This project will identify new iTRAPs, which component they package into vesicles and how the absence of speciifc iTRAPs affect brain cell function. The discovery of new iTRAPs will provide key information on how vesicle formation impacts on brain function in health and disease.