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Neurons communicate with each other through specific structures called synapses. Many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's) are associated with synaptic defects. The current focus of the laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms of synapse formation and function, intending to reveal novel mechanisms underlying synaptic deficits in neurological diseases.
The cla-1 promoter drives the expression of fluorescent proteins in neurons.
The assembly and function of the active zone
The active zone is the site of neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminals. Active zones are highly specialized microdomains composed of the presynaptic membrane and a dense collection of proteins. Recently we reported a novel active zone protein in C. elegans called Clarinet (CLA-1). We will investigate how CLA-1 interacts with other active zone proteins to orchestrate neurotransmitter release. We will also carry out unbiased genetic screens to identify novel molecules required for presynaptic assembly.
Schematic of the presynaptic compartment
The assembly and function of the periactive zone
Adjacent to the active zone is a much less studied presynaptic domain called the periactive zone. Our recent findings that the periactive zone interacts with the active zone to regulate synaptic autophagy open new opportunities to examine the periactive zone and its role in maintaining synaptic performance. We will investigate the assembly of the periactive zone during development in vivo, its interaction with the active zone, and its potential role in coupling axon guidance, synapse formation, and neurotransmission.
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