IBN-9511017 Buckley, Kathleen M. The formation of vesicles containing product secreted by cells of the brain, and other tissues, occurs by two mechanisms. First, vesicles may be formed from newly produced proteins as occurs during neural development, and second, neurons recycle vesicles following the secretion of included products by the cells. The proteins involved in vesicle recycling contain targeting sequences that direct their recovery by the cell. In the proposed studies, Dr. Buckley will investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in vesicle recycling with particular attention to the molecules involved in targeting the recovery of the proteins by the cell. Dr. Buckley will examine the role of a synapse-specific, vesicle associated protein called AP-3. The effect of overexpression of this protein on vesicle recycling will be examined, and several novel approaches will be used to identify proteins associated with AP-3 that may also participate in the reuptake of membrane into vesicles. The proposed studies will provide fundamental information on the mechanisms cells in the brain, and throughout the body for that matter, use to communicate with one another. These studies have great potential for providing novel information related to human physiology and pathophysiology.
