Richards Lab Research
Our laboratory focuses on the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters are released and the impact of this on synaptic transmission. Synaptic transmission is the central event in interneuronal signaling, and as such, its study has direct relevance to all areas of human physiology, and is particularly relevant to anesthesiology because the synapse is the site of action of general anesthetics. Our research focuses on two areas: the biophysical mechanism of release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles, and the specification of release site within the plasma membrane. We use a combination of molecular, microscopy and electrophysiological techniques to study this process.
