Super-resolution imaging of synaptic organization

Synapses allow communication between multiple neurons. Synaptic function relies on a delicate balance of dynamic interactions among several proteins and receptors. Any changes to the dynamic spatial organization of these proteins within the synapse can lead to diseased states. In autoimmune encephalitis, auto-antibodies bind to synaptic receptors and proteins and alter their dynamics and spatial organization. We are using super-resolution microscopy to study the impact of autoantibodies on the delicate balance of multiprotein complexes in the synapse.