Lipids in neuronal physiology and pathology

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the role of lipids in neuronal physiology and pathology focusing on their participation in synapses. In recent years our knowledge about the protein machinery that controls synaptic transmission has greatly increased. However, much less is known about the contribution of lipids to this process despite the fact that binding to the membrane, of which lipids are major components, modulates the activity of essential synaptic proteins. Moreover, synaptic transmission relies on membrane dynamics. The observation that most lipidosis lead to cognitive impairment and mental retardation further support the relevance of lipids in such process. We focus in the analysis of sphingolipids and cholesterol because, among other reasons, they are particularly enriched in neurons and have the ability to form signalling platforms.