Project Details
Projekt
Role of Neddylation in the Adult Central Nervous System: Mechanisms underlying its effects on neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and behaviours
Applicant
Dr. Damian Refojo
Subject Area
Cell Biology
Term
from 2011 to 2014
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 197930304
The aim of the present study is to characterize the role of neddylation in the adult CNS. The scope of the analysis includes the identification of novel brain specific protein targets as well as the evaluation of the role of neddylation in critical neuronal processes such as spines stability, neurotransmission and behavior Three combined approaches will be followed to fulfill this goal. 1. Studies in primary neuronal cultures to analyze the effect of neddylation on spine stability and synaptic function. This experimental set up will also be used to functionally characterize previously found targets. 2. In vivo studies: Neddylation will be genetically blocked in adult animals by the delivery of expression vectors via in utero electroporation or viral injections. In addition, conditional and inducible knock-out and transgenic mice for critical enzymes of the pathway will be used. 3. Identification of new brain specific protein targets. Hypothesis driven screenings will be performed with candidates derived from the phenotypes obtained in neuronal cultures and in vivo studies. Moreover, yeast-two-hybrid and mass-spectrometry based techniques will be used to accomplish an unbiased screening.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
