Synaptic scaffolds regulating cholinergic Drosophila synapses (A27*)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184695641

Project A27 investigates how postsynaptic scaffolds can confer static or dynamic properties to cholinergic synapses that need to relay information or plastically adapt during memory processes. We identified five scaffolding proteins, DREP2, CDEP, Dlg, SIF1 and Coracle, of which at least two are differentially distributed between static and dynamic synapses, while Dlg, but not CDEP, is needed for plasticity-mediated mechanisms. Using the genetic power of Drosophila combined with state-of-the art proteomics, superresolution microscopy, time-lapse in vivo imaging and behavioral assays, we will here test how individual scaffolding proteins regulate plastic or static cholinergic synapses.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 958: Scaffolding of Membranes: Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Head: Professor Dr. David Owald