Grant: Project Grant

Information from our genes flows from DNA to messenger RNA, an intermediate that will ultimately carry instructions to produce proteins, the principal building blocks for our cellular machinery. In multi-cellular animals, a phenomenon known as alternative messenger RNA splicing provides the capacity to encode multiple proteins from single genes, diversifying our repertoire of protein building blocks. Differential usage of alternative splicing has served as a mechanism contributing to customizing the functions of individual brain cells. However, the rules by which different cells of the nervous system utilize alternative splicing to contribute to their unique functions is unclear. This proposal will aim to better understand the rules used to create these differences in two important types of brain cells that secrete dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that can alter brain states. Dysfunction of these cells can lead to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression. Thus, in addition to providing fundamental insights into the inner workings of specific brain cells in animals, our work has the potential to shed light on how these mechanisms can go awry in diseases of the nervous system.