Studying Synaptic Transmission at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction Using Advanced FM 1-43 Technology

Neurons communicate at synapses by releasing neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles, and this communication underlies information transfer in neuronal circuits. While classic methodologies including electrophysiology and electron microscopy are still extensively used in molecular synaptic transmission research, advanced imaging tools have taken a center stage. In this chapter, we review techniques to study presynaptic function and describe two advanced protocols that make use of the membrane binding dye FM 1-43, enabling to probe deep into the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle function and dynamics at the Drosophila third instar larval neuromuscular junction.