The proper formation of neuronal circuits within the developing cerebral cortex is dependent upon the migration of two types of neurons, glutamatergic pyramidal neurons (excitatory) and gabaergic interneurons (inhibitory). Deficits in the migration of these neurons have been linked to neuropathologies such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. We recently showed that the transcription factor Neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) specifies the migration properties and dendritic morphology of glutamatergic neurons. Through a recent subtractive hybridization screen we identified formin binding protein 2, (FNBP2) as a candidate gene that might mediate the effects of Ngn2. FNBP2 is expressed in the ventricular zone of the cortex, where glutamatergic neurons initiate migration. Furthermore, sequence analysis identifies domains that are consistent with a role in regulating protein-protein interactions and cytoskeletal dynamics. Since the pattern expression and domain structure of FNBP2 suggest a potential role in regulating neuronal migration within the cortex, the aim of this proposal is to determine the role of FNBP2 in the migration of cortical glutamatergic neurons using a structure-function analysis, and gain and loss of function approaches. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31NS052969-02
Application #
7278175
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-GGG-G (29))
Program Officer
Talley, Edmund M
Project Start
2006-07-18
Project End
2009-01-17
Budget Start
2007-07-18
Budget End
2008-07-17
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$27,868
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
Guerrier, Sabrice; Coutinho-Budd, Jaeda; Sassa, Takayuki et al. (2009) The F-BAR domain of srGAP2 induces membrane protrusions required for neuronal migration and morphogenesis. Cell 138:990-1004