Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5R35NS136306-02
Fusion pore structure and dynamics
Recipient
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Award Amount
$660,632.00
Ceiling
$660,632.00
Awarded
December 18, 2025
Identifier
5R35NS136306-02
The award funds research on the structure and dynamics of fusion pores in synaptic vesicle fusion, aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and resolve the controversy between full fusion and kiss-and-run exocytosis.
Description
This project focuses on the nanomechanics of membrane fusion reactions, specifically the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane in neurons. The research aims to understand the dynamics and structure of the fusion pore, addressing the FFC versus K&R exocytosis controversy. The project involves electrophysiological measurements of fusion pores formed between v-SNARE-bearing nanodiscs and a lipid membrane, cryo-EM structural determination of fusion pores, and optical studies of synaptic vesicle release modes to address the full fusion versus kiss-and-run exocytosis controversy.