Dynamic aspects of memory formation. - Deconstructing principles on the molecular, neuronal and network level.

• Applicant: Dr. Martin Schwärzel
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 264385142

The concept of memory consolidation is not supported by a continuous physiological process and has no simple complement at the cellular and molecular level. Rather it appears that memory performance relies on a complex network of distinct molecular and neuronal processes that discontinuously support plasticity at different time points. It is a universal finding that formation of a particular memory component requires a particular temporal pattern of training. Here, I propose to deconstruct the design principles that allow a particular chronology of behavioral events to select just one out of many possible mechanism to impact on synaptic efficacy of a particular type of synapses to support memory. I will engage this question by use of Drosophila aversive odor learning emphasizing three levels of complexity. At level of neuronal networks I aim to understand the dynamic organization of neuronal circuits during the process of memory formation. At the molecular level I aim on the impact of dunce phosphodiesterase isoforms on the dynamic of memory formation. At the physiological level I will focus on dynamic phosphorylation of Tomosyn, a negative regulator of synaptic SNARE complexes. Taken together, these aims will reveal the design of a functional chain along the universal cAMP signaling pathway in support of memory.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants