Objetivo Chemical synapses in the central nervous system (CNS) employ a multitude of neuronal cell-surface receptors, adhesion proteins, secreted effector molecules, and proteoglycans. Within such vast network of interactions, synapse-spanning protein complexes mediate cell-cell adhesion, align pre- and postsynaptic specializations and exert bidirectional signaling, inducing pre- and postsynaptic differentiation. This proposal focuses on the “Glutamate receptor D2–Cerebellin1–Neurexin1β” trans-synaptic complex, a key component of the excitatory parallel fiber - Purkinje cell (PF-PC) synapse in the cerebellum. This tripartite interaction is essential for bidirectional synaptogenesis, and its specific disruption leads to impairment of cognition and motor coordination. However, the structure of this complex and its implications for synapse organization and modulation of neurotransmission remain unknown.The goal of this proposal is to elucidate the molecular architecture of the GluD2–Cerebellin1–Neurexin1β protein complex, and understand its functional implications. I will use X-ray crystallography to obtain high-resolution structural information on binary and ternary complexes between the soluble, extracellular GluD2, Cerebellin1 and Neurexin1β regions. A range of biophysical methods combined with site-directed mutagenesis will be applied to dissect complex formation with respect to affinity, kinetics, stoichiometry and contribution of functional modules. In parallel, using cryo-electron tomography I aim to visualize and reconstruct the higher-order architecture of GluD2–Cerebellin1, and ultimately the trans-synaptic triad, in model cellular membranes. This integrated approach should reveal general principles of supra-molecular organization and function at neuronal synapses, as structurally related molecules are broadly present within the CNS. Understanding synaptic functions in molecular terms will produce enduring paradigms in basic neuroscience and benefit human health. Ámbito científico natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibersnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologymineralogycrystallographynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyelectron microscopy Programa(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Tema(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Convocatoria de propuestas FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinador THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Aportación de la UE € 221 606,40 Dirección WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Región South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Gill Wells (Ms.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos
