Project description
Correcting SynGAP-mediated AMPA receptor dysregulation
Without synapses, the brain’s billions of neurons would not be able to accomplish their cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor functions. Synapses are the sight of neurotransmission, often inducing short-term or long-term changes in presynaptic and/or postsynaptic cells. The SynGAP protein, abundant in postsynaptic cells at excitatory synapses, acts via AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs). SynGAP gene mutations are linked to intellectual disability and so-called haploinsufficiency characterised by dysregulation of AMPAR trafficking within and expression on the postsynaptic cell. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MindTheGAP project aims to study and stabilise SynGAP surface organisation using innovative molecular tools and pharmacological approaches.
Objective
Pathogenic SYNGAP gene mutations generally lead to haploinsufficiency and account for up to 1% of intellectual disability cases. SynGAP is one of the most abundant postsynaptic proteins that maintains a low basal activity in excitatory synapses. It acts through AMPA type glutamate receptors (AMPAR) that mediate most fast excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. In SynGAP haplodeficiency, AMPAR trafficking and surface expression are dysregulated, and synaptic plasticity is impaired.
In our project, we aim to 1) study how SynGAP regulates the surface nano-organization of AMPAR subunits, 2) validate a novel strategy to stabilize SynGAP in the postsynaptic region using innovative molecular tools, 3) exploit our strategy as well as pharmacological approaches to restore normal synaptic transmission and plasticity in SynGAP+/- neurons.
We will use recently developed and validated antibody fragments against each AMPAR subunit with 4-color dSTORM/U-PAINT microscopy to uncover their specific nanoscale co-organization. Furthermore, we will test novel synthetic nanobodies specific to calcium permeable receptors to provide the first direct microscopy evidence on their synaptic distribution, in relation to SynGAP haplodeficiency.
We will test a newly engineered family of proteins created in our group that aims to stabilize the complex of PSD95 and SynGAP to counter the loss of half the SynGAP protein in haplodeficient neurons, at different time windows as SynGAP affects neuronal maturation and synaptic development. We will also aim to reverse the upregulation of calcium permeable AMPARs observed in SynGAP haploinsufficiency by selectively blocking them with NASPM.
Together, our expected results will provide unprecedented insight to the regulation of excitatory synapses, as well as novel strategies to experimentally correct SynGAP haplodeficiency.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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75794 PARIS
France
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