Homeostatic plasticity: from synapses to the axon initial segment

Our bodies tightly regulate many aspects of their inner physiology, such as temperature, blood pressure and glucose levels. This process, known as homeostasis, serves to keep certain key physiological events constant in the face of a continually changing environment. Neuronal homeostasis is known to play an important role in the stabilisation of brain function. However, little is known about the mechanisms that control it, the site in the neuron at which it takes place and even the levels of activity a neuron senses as abnormal. Professor Burrone aims to tackle these questions by using techniques that provide fine control of the electrical activity of neurons by means of light. This non-invasive approach will enable the study of neuronal homeostasis and could uncover potential new targets for epilepsy treatment.