Regulated synaptic transmission is essential in maintaining the proper function of the brain, and mutations in synaptic genes are often linked to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The goal of this project is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the synaptic gene, SYNJ1 (encoding synaptojanin1, synj1), in contributing to dysfunction of the basal ganglia for motor control. Missense mutations in SYNJ1 (known as PARK20) are associated with early-onset atypical Parkinsonism. Mice carrying the R258Q disease mutation or missing one copy of the SYNJ1 gene (SYNJ1+/-) display motor deficits, impaired synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling and dystrophic changes in dopaminergic axons and terminals. However, the mechanism whereby synj1 partial loss-of-function results in the dysfunction of the dopaminergic pathway in the basal ganglia remains unclear. Synj1 is an inositol phosphatase enriched in the axonal terminals, where it regulates SV recycling. Our preliminary study suggested that SYNJ1 deficiency leads to midbrain-specific changes in PIP2, abnormal presynaptic calcium signals, impaired SV recycling and enlarged presynaptic terminals in the midbrain neurons. We hypothesize that loss of SYNJ1 dysregulates important signaling lipids, which results in aberrant calcium channel function, altered dopamine release and impaired membrane trafficking. We will carry out an in-depth investigation for SYNJ1 deficient mice and cultured neurons expressing recently identified SYNJ1 disease mutations. We will use genetically encoded calcium indicators and electrophysiology to analyze presynaptic calcium; immunochemistry combined with electron microscopy to investigate membrane trafficking; and a novel optical dopamine sensor in combination with biochemical and behavioral analyses to examine dopamine transmission. By implementing the proposed research plan, we aim to reveal key pathogenic processes responsible for the impairment of the dopaminergic signaling in the basal ganglia and common signaling pathways shared by other synaptic genes in neurodegeneration. The result of this study is also expected to gain insights in synj1-mediated cell type-specific regulation and provide new perspectives for novel therapeutics.
Synaptic dysfunction is a major determinant in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. We propose to study the synaptic gene, SYNJ1, which is implicated in multiple disorders including Parkinsonism; and we aim to determine how SYNJ1 loss-of-function results in dopamine transmission abnormality and motor impairment.
