Barriers in the brain: the molecular physics of learning and memory

Receptor proteins in synapses enable the contact between different brain cells and therefore play a crucial role in learning and the memory. The basic, physical processes that regulate the strength of the contacts are not well known. The aim of the new FOM Programme is to unravel these physical principles, especially the processes that ensure the localisation of the receptors in a highly dynamic and spatially limited environment. The research will be realised under the leadership of Prof. Erwin Peterman (VU University Amsterdam) and will take place at VU University Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Leiden University and Eindhoven University of Technology.

Erwin Peterman: "This programme enables us to tackle this fascinating and complex problem with a multidisciplinary approach: from the theoretical soft matter physics, via biophysics of model systems and cells, through to neurobiology."