Smoking-related diseases result in more than 400,000 premature deaths in the United States each year1, yet thousands struggle with smoking cessation. Nicotine, the major addictive component in tobacco, interacts with specific classes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), altering the functional state of the receptors and expression at the cell surface. Although the role of nAChRs in nicotine addiction has been well established, mechanisms for the biological regulation of these receptors during normal brain function and following nicotine exposure are poorly defined. In this proposal, I will use the model system C. elegans to investigate the dynamics of nAChRs on the neuronal cell surface. [In Aim 1, I will define the subunit composition of nAChRs expressed on the dendrites of GABAergic motor neurons. Secondly, I will investigate the role of OIG-1, an immunoglobulin domain protein, in nicotinic receptor clustering.] Finally, in the third Aim I will investigate how neuronal activity and nicotine exposure shape the dynamics and subcellular distribution of nAChRs. These studies will address fundamental questions about the biology of nAChRs and provide me with strong training in genetics, microscopy, and electrophysiology techniques that will be essential tools in my continuing scientific development.

Public Health Relevance

The regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) has been implicated in a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and nicotine addiction. The proposed work will address fundamental questions about the in vivo biology of neuronal nAChRs using the model system Caenorhabditis elegans. Ultimately, understanding receptor function will help shape the treatment and prevention of diseases with nicotinic receptor abnormalities.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31DA038399-01A1
Application #
8835674
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2015-02-02
Project End
2018-02-01
Budget Start
2015-02-02
Budget End
2016-02-01
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
Philbrook, Alison; Ramachandran, Shankar; Lambert, Christopher M et al. (2018) Neurexin directs partner-specific synaptic connectivity in C. elegans. Elife 7:
Barbagallo, Belinda; Philbrook, Alison; Touroutine, Denis et al. (2017) Excitatory neurons sculpt GABAergic neuronal connectivity in the C. elegans motor circuit. Development 144:1807-1819
He, Siwei; Philbrook, Alison; McWhirter, Rebecca et al. (2015) Transcriptional Control of Synaptic Remodeling through Regulated Expression of an Immunoglobulin Superfamily Protein. Curr Biol 25:2541-8