Many neuronal functions such as synaptic plasticity, axon growth etc. require precise and timely delivery of proteins. How does the neurons sense these protein need and how does the neuron fulfill it? Previous works has shown that mechanisms such as passive diffusion and/or active transport of mRNA/protein cargo on the micro-tubule via the motor proteins are crucial for protein delivery in neurites[1]. The statistics of protein motion also depends on the particular mode and medium of transport such as diffusion on the cell surface vs in the cytoplasm[2]. Recent work also point toward local synthesis in a dendrite as a potential mechanism to deliver proteins to dendritic locations upto hundreds of micros far from the synthesis site [1]. In this project, I am developing a model of mRNA and protein trafficking in dendrites using partial differential equation systems. With this model we plan to study the importance of these different mechanisms in meeting the protein requirement in basal condition and for different forms of synaptic plasticity.
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