Elucidating how synapses are formed and maintained is critical to understanding both the developmental wiring of brain circuits and the long term changes that occur during learning and memory. Furthermore, there is a strong link between synaptic misregulation and brain diseases; for example, Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration is preceded by synaptic dysfunction and loss. The Garner laboratory has made great strides in understanding synaptogenesis with the discovery of specialized vesicles, termed PTVs, critical for delivering proteins to newly formed synaptic active zones (AZs). We hypothesize that a subset of the proteins on PTVs are necessary for forming functional AZs. Mass spectrometry and proteomic approaches will be used to identify specific protein constituents of PTVs and determine the likely candidates for tethering AZ-specific proteins to this vesicle. siRNA knockdown of PTV proteins in combination with imaging of synapse markers and FM4-64 recycling will be used to determine which of these novel proteins are responsible for generating PTVs and for forming a structural and functional synapse. These studies will provide critical information about the proteins which regulate synaptogenesis ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH071100-02
Application #
6956507
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03A (20))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2004-09-30
Project End
2007-09-29
Budget Start
2005-09-30
Budget End
2006-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$49,928
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305