How do ultrafast morphodynamic synaptic adaptations enhance visual information flow?

We will study how the fruit fly (Drosophila) photoreceptor synapses adapt to light stimulation. In the classic view, neurones are immobile, and their information transfer quantal, with neurotransmitters released from similarly-sized vesicles. Our new results are now changing this view by showing that synaptic communication is morphodynamic: when adapting to light changes, their structures move and are reshaped dynamically. Using Drosophila as our model, we aim to understand how X-ray stimulation, which activates photoreceptors like visible light, adapts synaptic transmission. Employing high-speed X-ray imaging and electroretinograms, ERGs, we will analyse photoreceptor terminal activity with Drosophila's consistent eye layout aiding synapse identification. Extending our prior work on photoreceptors, we will capture real-time axon terminal movements, synaptic vesicle changes, and ERGs under X-ray and visible light. Our objective is to discern how synaptic morphodynamics enhance vision.本研究将探究果蝇（Drosophila）光感受器突触对光刺激的适应机制。经典观点认为神经元不具备移动性，其信息传递呈量子化模式，神经递质由大小均一的突触囊泡释放。我们的最新研究结果正颠覆这一认知，揭示突触传递具有形态动态性（morphodynamic）：当适应光环境变化时，突触结构会发生动态位移与重塑。本研究以果蝇为模型，旨在解析类似可见光可激活光感受器的X射线刺激如何调控突触传递。我们将采用高速X射线成像技术与视网膜电图（electroretinograms, ERGs），借助果蝇眼部结构高度一致的特性便于突触识别，对光感受器终末活动开展分析。本研究将延续此前在光感受器领域的研究工作，捕捉X射线与可见光刺激下轴突终末的实时运动、突触囊泡变化以及视网膜电图信号。本研究的核心目标是阐明突触形态动态性如何提升视觉功能。