Dr. Kandler’s research is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which developing neuronal circuits become organized and fine tuned. His laboratory investigates these mechanisms using excitatory and inhibitory brainstem pathways in the mammalian sound localization system. In this seminar, Dr. Kandler will focus on the processes and mechanisms that occur during the topographic refinement of an inhibitory, GABA/glycinergic pathway (MNTB-LSO pathway). During the period of synaptic refinement, MNTB neurons transiently express the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 and co-release the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate which can activate postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Evidence will be provided that the seemingly paradoxical release of glutamate from GABA/glycinergic synapses is a novel and crucial mechanism that underlies synaptic reorganization and topographic sharpening of an inhibitory map.

Selected Publications:

Gillespie, D.C., Kim, G., Kandler, K. Inhibitory synapses in the developing auditory system are glutamatergic. Nature Neuroscience, 8: 332-338, 2005.

Kandler, K., and Gillespie, D.C. Developmental refinement of inhibitory sound-localization circuits. TINS 28: 290-296, 2005.

Lee, H., Chen, C.X., Liu, Y.J., Aizenman, E. and Kandler, K. KCC2 expression in immature rat cortical neurons is sufficient to switch the polarity of GABA responses. Eur J Neurosci. 21(9): 2593-9, 2005.

Kandler, K. and Thiels, E. Flipping the switch from electrical to chemical communication. Nat Neurosci. 8(12): 1633-4, 2005.

Ene, F.A., Kalmbach, A. and Kandler, K. Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the lateral superior olive activate TRP-like channels: age- and experience-dependent regulation. J Neurophysiol. 97(5):3365-75, 2007. Epub 2007 Mar 21.

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