Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and postsynaptic AMPA receptors guarantee fast and temporally precise signalling in inner hair cells and neurons of the auditory pathway. Their properties are crucial for temporal precision and fidelity of synaptic transmission. In this project, we will analyse the contribution of auxiliary Ca2+ channel subunits alpha2delta-1,-2, and -3 to different types of Ca2+ currents of spiral ganglion neurons in primary cultures. Further, we will examine the role of alpha2delta-1,-2, and -3 for the size and morphology of auditory nerve fiber terminals at bushy cells in the ventral cochlear nucleus. Together with in vivo recordings from neurons in the inferior colliculus and auditory discrimination learning experiments by Simone Kurt and her group we attempt to study the functional and structural importance of alpha2delta Ca2+ channel subunits in auditory processing.