To further understand mechanisms of the brain, research has focused on fundamental functions of the brain such as learning and memory. Recent discoveries have revealed that a member of the 14-3-3 family of proteins is involved in learning and memory processes. How 14- 3-3 plays a role in these processes is poorly understood. Using learning and memory as a biological assay, 14-3-3 protein function may be revealed. This proposal is designed to characterize proteins which interact with 14-3-3 in learning and memory. The following specific aims are designed to further test the hypothesis that 14-3-3 protein function is essential for learning and memory processes. 1) Identify proteins that interact with 14-3-3. Four Drosophila cDNA clones encoding proteins that interact with 14-3-3 in the yeast two- hybrid system will be sequenced and the interactions of their products with 14-3-3 confirmed by in vitro binding assays and coimmunoprecipitation in yeast and in vivo. 2) Elucidate the expression patterns of 14-3-3 interacting proteins within the brain mRNA and protein expression of 14-3-3 interacting cDNA clones will be determined using Northern analysis, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. 3) Determine the phenotypes of mutants of 14-3-3 interacting proteins. Flies carrying mutations in 14-3-3 interacting protein genes will be tested for deficits in learning and memory using classical olfactory conditioning paradigms.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31MH011816-01
Application #
2415855
Study Section
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neurobiology Review Committee (MCDN)
Project Start
1998-01-09
Project End
Budget Start
1997-10-01
Budget End
1998-09-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
074615394
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030