Nagle 9511773 Small protein molecules or peptides, play an important role in communication between cells in the brain. The synthesis of these peptides is a complex task involving the excision of the peptide from a larger precursor molecule by specific enzymes. Moreover, these peptides must be compartmentalized or packaged in the brain in such away that they can be released upon stimulation of the brain cell. To accomplish this release, the larger precursor molecules and the enzymes to process the precusor must be co-stored so the information transmitting peptide can be cut from the larger molecule and released between cells. However, how this packaging of material is accomplished remains unknown. Dr. Nagle will use a well-established system to investigate how the enzymes responsible for cleaving these peptides from their precursors is accomplished. It is anticipated that these studies will also identify specific domains in the enzymes responsible for targeting the peptide-containing precursors and enzymes to the appropriate secretory apparatus. These studies are of fundamental importance in understanding the transfer of information between cells. The findings from these studies are applicable to cells in the brain, as well as peripheral tissues. More importantly, however, these studies provide information on the biochemical basis by which information is transmitted between cells in the nervous system or the basis of the way the brain functions.
