Sosa 9308031 This applicant will work to elaborate the detailed sequence of events in the development of connections (synapses) between nerve cells in the cockroach. Through intracellular recording and microscopy, a detailed study of the beginning function of synapses will be made and compared to events occurring in the regeneration of the synapse following damage. Long term plans call for similar examinations of mutants to clarify genetic and cellular environment factors that are involved. This work will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan M. Blagburn at the Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, and Dr. Jonathan P. Bacon at the University of Sussex, UK. ***
