Neurons communicate with their neighboring cells via the release of chemical signals, known as neurotransmitters. Prior to release, these chemicals are packaged within tiny membrane-delimited vesicles (synaptic vesicles) that are docked at the plasma membrane inner leaflet. A cascade of events leads to influx of Ca²⁺ into the vicinity of these vesicles, which triggers their fusion with the plasma membrane. Subsequently, the synaptic vesicle contents (neurotransmitters) are exocytosed into the extracellular space. The exocytosed neurotransmitters are then sensed by a neighboring cell (another neuron or muscle cell) to propagate the neuronal signal onward. This fundamental principle underlies countless aspects of complex life.

Work within the lab aims to elucidate the molecular details that govern how synaptic vesicles fusion with the plasma membrane.