Are electrical synapses plastic? Studies in a novel transgenic

Electrical synapses are special pores that span neurons enabling them to communicate rapidly. Despite the fact
that they are widespread and serve as an alternative – to that mediated by the more common receptor-based
mechanisms – mode of electrical signal propagation in the brain, they are poorly studied. This project will
determine if their presence and density varies during brain development and changes when neurons are
engaged. The studies will utilize a unique animal model that enables microscopic observation of electrical
synapses and will provide the basic knowledge necessary to reveal their importance for the normal and pathologic
brain.