Grant: Project Grant

The connections between neurons are called synapses. Changing the strength of synapses is important for neural development, neural homeostasis, and memory formation. These forms of synaptic plasticity are partly mediated by the local synthesis of proteins encoded for by messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are specifically localized near synapses. This local synthesis is activated by specific signals. An important finding is that different signals activate local translation of distinct proteins. The subset of mRNAs regulated by a specific signal is called a translational 'regulon'. The goal of this application is to both define the 'regulons' important for synaptic plasticity and the mechanisms by which signals can activate these 'regulons'. The regulation of local translation is an important target for neurodevelopment disorders and neurodegenerative diseases and thus a better fundamental understanding of these processes has important health implications.