Neurogranin is a neuron-specific protein that is enriched in the hippocampus and cortex. Neurogranin has been implicated in several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, aging, hypothyroidism and stress, and its levels correlate with memory performance. On a molecular level, neurogranin binds to calmodulin, a key regulator of synaptic plasticity, only in absence of Calcium. Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to change their strength. The two most commonly studied forms of synaptic plasticity are long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD). In CA1 hippocampal synapses, both forms of synaptic plasticity are dependent on NMDA receptor activation and coexist in a tight balance that is dependent on calmodulin availability. Thus, through its regulation of CaM availability, neurogranin may play an important role in synaptic plasticity. Indeed, two independent genetic studies of Neurogranin knockout highlight such importance in plasticity and memory. However, these two studies had opposite results when looking at synaptic plasticity induction.
The aim of this proposal is to define the molecular role of neurogranin in synaptic plasticity. This will be achieved by integrating a combination of electrophysiology, molecular biology and imaging techniques. We propose that Ng controls the synaptic plasticity balance through its regulation of CaM availability. The first specific aim will assess the role of neurogranin in LTP and LTD bidirectional regulation. In the second specific aim, we will study the localization and dynamics of neurogranin within the spine during synaptic plasticity. Finally, we will test the regulation and interaction between Ng and CaM. Success in the proposed experiments will elucidate one of the fundamental mechanisms that may control the synaptic plasticity balance and will enable us to better understand the alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of many neurological disorders.

Public Health Relevance

Neurogranin has been implicated in several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, hypothyroidism, stress and aging. Neurogranin plays a significant role in synaptic plasticity and memory, and its down regulation may result in cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesize that neurogranin controls the synaptic plasticity balance, through its regulation of calmodulin availability. Thus we propose to study the role of neurogranin in synaptic plasticity, which, we believe, will enable us to better understand the molecular alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of many neurological diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01AG032320-03S1
Application #
8334107
Study Section
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Study Section (LAM)
Program Officer
Wise, Bradley C
Project Start
2009-01-01
Project End
2013-12-31
Budget Start
2011-09-30
Budget End
2011-12-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$85,357
Indirect Cost
Name
Medical College of Wisconsin
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
937639060
City
Milwaukee
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53226
Kaleka, Kanwardeep Singh; Gerges, Nashaat Z (2016) Neurogranin restores amyloid ?-mediated synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation deficits. Exp Neurol 277:115-123
Knafo, Shira; Sánchez-Puelles, Cristina; Palomer, Ernest et al. (2016) PTEN recruitment controls synaptic and cognitive function in Alzheimer's models. Nat Neurosci 19:443-53
Petersen, Amber; Gerges, Nashaat Z (2015) Neurogranin regulates CaM dynamics at dendritic spines. Sci Rep 5:11135
Zhong, Ling; Brown, Joshua; Kramer, Audra et al. (2015) Increased prefrontal cortex neurogranin enhances plasticity and extinction learning. J Neurosci 35:7503-8
Kumar, Veerendra; Chichili, Vishnu Priyanka Reddy; Zhong, Ling et al. (2013) Structural basis for the interaction of unstructured neuron specific substrates neuromodulin and neurogranin with Calmodulin. Sci Rep 3:1392
Danielson, Eric; Zhang, Nanyan; Metallo, Jacob et al. (2012) S-SCAM/MAGI-2 is an essential synaptic scaffolding molecule for the GluA2-containing maintenance pool of AMPA receptors. J Neurosci 32:6967-80
Shin, Seung Min; Zhang, Nanyan; Hansen, Jonathan et al. (2012) GKAP orchestrates activity-dependent postsynaptic protein remodeling and homeostatic scaling. Nat Neurosci 15:1655-66
Kaleka, Kanwardeep S; Petersen, Amber N; Florence, Matthew A et al. (2012) Pull-down of calmodulin-binding proteins. J Vis Exp :
Garrison, Sheldon R; Kramer, Audra A; Gerges, Nashaat Z et al. (2012) Sickle cell mice exhibit mechanical allodynia and enhanced responsiveness in light touch cutaneous mechanoreceptors. Mol Pain 8:62
Zhong, Ling; Gerges, Nashaat Z (2012) Neurogranin targets calmodulin and lowers the threshold for the induction of long-term potentiation. PLoS One 7:e41275

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