Spoligotype patterns evolve through the deletion of spacer sequences that cannot be recovered and have provided Dr Mark Tanaka with a rich source of data with which to understand the transmission of disease.
Adhesion molecules in neuronal physiology and Alzheimer’s disease
Brain function is mediated by highly specific synaptic circuits that connect widely separated groups of neurons into functional networks. Such precision in synaptic organisation is established during development, as circuitry is assembled to yield a mature anatomical framework for brain function. After development, synaptic connectivity remains functionally dynamic throughout life, allowing new associations appropriate for skill learning and memory formation, and to compensate for brain or spinal injury. An important area of neuroscience research focuses on understanding how synaptic architecture is formed maintained and modified (“synaptic plasticity”) to enable such behavioural flexibility.
The main aim of this project is the functional characterisation of genes coding for adhesion molecules, determination of their role in the development of neuronal morphology and synaptogenesis in mammalian neurons, and their impact on molecular pathomechanism of Alzheimer’s disease.>
The study involves application of a number of state-of-the –art techniques including RNA interference, transfected-cell array and functional analysis in primary neuronal cells as well as standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA cloning and DNA transfection.
This is a cooperative project with Dr. Vladimir Sytnyk.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project