Principal Investigator: Richard O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D. [ Bio ]
The formation and maintenance of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system is crucial to the development of the brain as well as ongoing plasticity that underlies learning, memory and adaptation. In this study, we are examining the role and mode of action of an endogenous substance called neuronal activity regulated pentraxin (NARP). Narp serves as a potential link between brain activity and synapse formation. It may be impaired in diseases that affect the formatoin of new memories, such as Alzheimer's disease. The molecular basis for the interaction between Narp and its receptor and Narp and the AMPA class of glutamate receptors will be investigated using a series of deletion and point mutations in both HEK 293 cells and neurons. The mechanism whereby the NMDA class of glutamate receptors is aggregated at excitatory synapses will also be investigated. Our experiments indicate that both Narp and an as yet uncharacterized molecule are involved in this process.
For more information, please contact Richard O’Brien, MD, PhD, at
(410) 550-8703 or robrien@jhmi.edu
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