9308054 Melton A relationship between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and a peripheral membrane protein designated the 43K protein has been described. Aggregation of these receptors in the postsynaptic membrane is an early and crucial step in synapse formation. In neuromuscular synapses in the peripheral nervous system, the 43K protein is known to play a major role in clustering and anchoring the receptors at the postsynaptic site. The applicant will attempt to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which these receptors aggregate early in the development of synapses in the central nervous system, and characterize the role of the 43K protein, or homologue. This work will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Stanley Froehner at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.. ***
