Dysbindin and the Mechanisms Controlling the Homeostatic Modulation of Presynaptic Neurotransmitter Release Nervous system function remains remarkably stable despite the many changes that occur during the development, maturation, and aging of the brain. There is increasing evidence that neurons are endowed with potent mechanisms that compensate for perturbations to their activity and maintain the stability of neural function within proper physiological ranges. Although these homeostatic properties have been demonstrated in a variety of systems from invertebrates to humans, the mechanisms that mediate these fundamental and complex processes are poorly understood. Using Drosophila as a model for homeostasis at the level of the synapse, we have recently demonstrated that the gene dysbindin is required for synaptic homeostasis. Interestingly, the human homolog of dysbindin (DTNBP1) has emerged as a primary susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. The overall objective of this proposal is to define the mechanisms through which Dysbindin modulates neural function and achieves the homeostatic control of synaptic stability. The initial aim will be to define the role of Snapin in synaptic function and homeostasis. Snapin has been shown to bind Dysbindin and separately to modulate the synaptic fusion machinery. Next, biochemical and live imaging approaches will be used to monitor and test the importance of the Snapin-Dysbindin interaction for the homeostatic modulation of presynaptic release. Finally, I will explore the role of other proteins that interact with Dysbindin and go on to search for new genes that are required for synaptic homeostasis. The training phase of this research will be performed at the University of California, San Francisco in the laboratory of Dr. Graeme Davis. In this environment at UCSF, I will enhance both my experimental skills as well as the skills necessary to become a successful independent researcher. My long term goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the homeostatic control of neural function and how dysfunction in this process may contribute to complex neurological and psychiatric disease. I am committed to researching these areas at an academic institution. Public Health Relevance: Dysbindin has emerged as a primary susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in humans. This proposal seeks to elucidate the role of Dysbindin in the homeostatic control of neural function and to search for new genes involved in this process. Together, these efforts have to potential to implicate synaptic homeostasis in the etiology of schizophrenia and other complex psychiatric diseases.

Public Health Relevance

Dysbindin has emerged as a primary susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in humans. This proposal seeks to elucidate the role of Dysbindin in the homeostatic control of neural function and to search for new genes involved in this process. Together, these efforts have the potential to implicate defects in synaptic homeostasis as a plausible contributing factor in the etiology of schizophrenia and perhaps other complex psychiatric diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Career Transition Award (K99)
Project #
5K99MH092351-02
Application #
8139972
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZMH1-ERB-L (05))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2010-09-10
Project End
2011-12-31
Budget Start
2011-09-01
Budget End
2011-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$87,615
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143
Genç, Özgür; Dickman, Dion K; Ma, Wenpei et al. (2017) MCTP is an ER-resident calcium sensor that stabilizes synaptic transmission and homeostatic plasticity. Elife 6:
Frank, C Andrew; Wang, Xinnan; Collins, Catherine A et al. (2013) New approaches for studying synaptic development, function, and plasticity using Drosophila as a model system. J Neurosci 33:17560-8
Dickman, Dion K; Tong, Amy; Davis, Graeme W (2012) Snapin is critical for presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. J Neurosci 32:8716-24