Unlocking the Brain: Peptide-Guided Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA to Neurons Penn Engineering Blog

MRNAs encoding a number of transmembrane proteins, including ion channels, are found within the presynaptic transcriptome and protein translation machinery is present in mature axons. Biever et al. review recent evidence supporting presynaptic translation and intra-axonal synthesis of transmembrane proteins. The complexity of localized translational control lies in the dynamic interaction between regulatory elements embedded in the transcript and a rich toolbox of transacting factors, including translational machinery components, RNA binding proteins and miRNAs. Heterogenity of ribosomes may underlie compartmental-specific local translation. Improvements in imaging technology has enabled tracking of mRNPs, which are made of higher-order assemblies of RNAs and proteins with unprecedented temporal resolution Das et al. review both visualization and bioinformatic methodologies for analyzing neuronal mRNPs. For example, an algorithm based on Bayesian model selection and Hidden single-molecule detection Markov Modeling helps to characterize the transient transition states of individual mRNA transporting granules, and captures the real-time dynamics of protein synthesis in living neurons.

Eyeblink conditioning is our primary model paradigm to assess associative learning. This Pavlovian task offers excellent stimulus control, ease of precise behavioral measurement, robust associative learning, and can be used to test both human and non-human animal subjects. We study rabbits, rats, mice, or humans depending upon the question being asked. We also use a broad set of additional techniques, including fear conditioning, spatial navigation in the Morris water maze and others, to assess other types of behavior to evaluate the specificity of experimental manipulations on mechanisms of associative learning. Neurons in the spinal cord provide the neural interface for sensation and movement.

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• Of the many types of neurotransmitter used in the brain, dopamine has a privileged role, particularly in the striatum.
• Such information is essential if we are to ultimately find ways to prevent disease in the first place.
• Over 40 research groups conduct basic neuroscience research and clinical investigations of mental illnesses, brain function, and behavior at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Our research is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Cure Huntington’s Disease Initiative.
• Using a combination of optical, electrophysiological and molecular approaches, we are examining the factors governing neurodegeneration in PD and its network consequences, primarily in the striatum.

He received his BSc with honors in Physics at McGill University and his PhD in Physics at Cornell University. He carried out postdoctoral work at Stanford University in the department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology. Dr Ryan’s lab has pioneered the development and use of quantitative optical tools to interrogate nerve terminal function.

For excitatory transmission the depolarization of the dendritic membrane often triggers Ca2+ entry NYU Klann Laboratory through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Sather and Ditmer discuss how these channels are also controlled by the endoplasmic reticulum in dendrites through novel regulator processes. Understanding mal-adaptive changes in synapse function in response to chronic exposure to drugs of abuse has been an important goal that lies at the intersection of synapse biology and addiction research.

Matthew Tresch LabExamining the neural control of movement, focusing on the role of spinal circuitry

Compensatory brain network mechanisms of visual shape completion across the schizo-bipolar spectrum. Regularized partial correlation provides reliable functional connectivity estimates while correcting for widespread confounding Poster at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. Neural representation dynamics reveal computational principles of cognitive task learning Poster at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. As our work continues, we look forward to collaborating with other departments in the hospital and extending our methods to include studying other cancers as well. Updates about mental health topics, including NIMH news, upcoming events, mental disorders, funding opportunities, and research. Understanding the cellular and molecular foundation of the nervous system.

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Expansive data from single-cell sequencing and neuronal type and compartmental proteomic studies indicates that neuronal identity is strongly linked to its pattern of connectivity. The roles of local protein synthesis have been continuously examined as technology improves in detection sensitivity and specificity. The use of RiboTag mouse, combined with ribosome profiling, is powerful in identifying in vivo local transcriptome.