Signal integration at scaffolding proteins: Identification and functional analysis of A-Kinase-Anchoring Proteins in memory processing

• Applicant: Dr. Martin Schwärzel
• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: from 2007 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36209221

Learning and memory requires a concerted interaction between different molecular signaling pathways, which altogether build up an integrative computational network within the brain. Although the individual pathways are well known, the molecular mechanisms of their integration and its relevance for learning and memory are not. Recently, I could identify the family of A-kinase-anchoring-proteins (AKAPs) as one such molecular integrator by use of the well established Drosophila olfactory conditioning paradigm. In this application I should add up on this new result and will address following topics: (1) Which AKAPs are involved in processing and consolidation of differently motivated memories? (2) Which signaling pathways are integrated at the particular AKAPs and what is the molecular mechanism? (3) What is the mechanism that preserves signaling specificity on a cellular level? Answering these questions will help to extend contemporary models of in vivo memory processing by taking into account the integrative nature of signal computation with the brain.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups