PROTEOLYTIC CLEAVAGE AND TURNOVER OF DYSTROGLYCAN SHAPE SYNAPSE MORPHOLOGY
Keywords: dystroglycan, structural synaptic plasticity, extracellular matrix
Structural modifications of dendritic spines which form excitatory synapses determine the proper functioning of the neural networks in the brain. One of the major modulators of these processes are the extracellular matrix proteases and synaptic cell adhesion molecules. However, little is known about the role of selective proteolytic degradation of these proteins in structural plasticity.
My project aims to determine the role of neuronal activity-dependent proteolysis of dystroglycan, an important cell adhesion receptor, in the remodeling of synaptic connections. In addition, I study the mechanism responsible for the re-recruitment of β-DG to the postsynaptic membrane. The experiments are carried out on primary neuronal and glial cell cultures. I use various methods of molecular and cellular biology, such as DNA cloning, transfection, click chemistry, proximity ligation assay, and modern microscopy techniques.