| title: |
Regulation of the dendritic localisation and translation of BDNF and neuralized1 mRNAs in neurons |
| reg no: |
ETF6757 |
| project type: |
Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.8. Molecular Biology
|
| status: |
accepted |
| institution: |
Geenitehnoloogia Instituut, Tallinna Tehnikaülikool |
| head of project: |
Richard Tamme |
| duration: |
01.01.2006 - 31.12.2009 |
| description: |
A growing body of evidence suggests that localised translation of dendritically transported mRNAs is an important aspect of gene expression that allows neurons to rapidly respond to changes in neuronal activity by altering their subcellular protein composition. Since both neu1 and BDNF transcripts are localised dendritically, the main aim of this grant proposal is to identify the mechanisms regulating dendritic targeting and translation of these mRNAs. To achieve this, we will first characterise the cis-acting sequence elements within these mRNAs that are sufficient for their dendritic localisation. We will subsequently identify the trans-acting proteins binding to these cis-acting elements by the use of the yeast three-hybrid strategy. The expression patterns and biochemical properties of the proteins identified will be characterised thereafter. The functional roles of these proteins in the dendritic targeting and/or translation of neu1/BDNF transcripts will be then assessed by using RNAi-mediated interference of gene expression. Finally, we aim to determine the role of neuronal activity in the dendritic targeting and/or translation of these transcripts and also to identify the signalling pathways regulating these processes. |