Phosphatase Regulators Mediate Long-term Changes In Presynaptic Terminals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$984,163.00
Summary
The strength of communication between each nerve cell in the brain depends on how active that nerve cell has been. This enables the brain to be adaptable and is a way for the brain to set up circuits that underlie how we learn and remember. More or less release of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) into nerve cell junctions changes the strength of nerve cell communication. We have discovered a new chemical signalling pathway controlling neurotransmitter release.
Protein Phosphatase 2A Methylation: Regulation And Functional Significance For Tauopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,713.00
Summary
Clinical studies have revealed that low blood levels of the vitamin folate are a risk factor for cognitive impairment, depression and dementia, which are prevalent in the elderly. Deregulation of the protein tau is a key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This project will utilize cell culture and aged mouse models to determine how alterations in folate status and deregulation of protein phosphatase 2A affect the regulation of tau and other key brain processes that become altered in Alzh ....Clinical studies have revealed that low blood levels of the vitamin folate are a risk factor for cognitive impairment, depression and dementia, which are prevalent in the elderly. Deregulation of the protein tau is a key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This project will utilize cell culture and aged mouse models to determine how alterations in folate status and deregulation of protein phosphatase 2A affect the regulation of tau and other key brain processes that become altered in Alzheimer’s disease.Read moreRead less
Differential Regulation Of Two Modes Of Exocytosis By Protein Phosphatases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,750.00
Summary
The release of signals from nerve endings (exocytosis) is of fundamental importance to nervous system function. The recent recognition that nerve cells can release transmitter by at least two distinct modes of exocytosis has led to the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate exocytosis. Our identification of the key role played by two enzymes, PP2A and PP2B, represents a major insight into the molecular mechansisms regulating this process. The experiments will lead to the ....The release of signals from nerve endings (exocytosis) is of fundamental importance to nervous system function. The recent recognition that nerve cells can release transmitter by at least two distinct modes of exocytosis has led to the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate exocytosis. Our identification of the key role played by two enzymes, PP2A and PP2B, represents a major insight into the molecular mechansisms regulating this process. The experiments will lead to the identification of how PP2A and PP2B are regulated at the molecular level and the targets that are important in the control of exocytosis. The project will also develop new tools to specifically manipulate the two modes of exocytosis in order to understand their contribution to normal and pathological neurotransmission. Strong stimulation of exocytosis is associated with learning and memory in normal brain and neuronal damage under certain pathological conditions. Since switching from 1 mode of exocytosis to another is also induced by strong stimulation, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control the different modes of exocytosis may eventually lead to clinical applications.Read moreRead less