SYNCAM2A IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE SYNAPTOGENESIS IN DEVELOPING DANIO RERIO
Loading...
Date
2014-05
Authors
Haynes, Dylan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Synaptogenesis is a vital process for the development of higher cognitive
functions such as learning and memory. When the constructive pathways that lead to
synapse formation are interrupted, severe neurological disorders such as autism,
schizophrenia, and mental retardation can ensue. It is for this reason that the
development of synapses merits further investigation. The aim of this project was to
characterize a zebrafish synaptic cell adhesion molecule, SynCAM2a, whose human
ortholog has been shown to be important for promoting synapse formation in cultured
neurons. To determine the protein's function in vivo, SynCAM2a was knocked down
with a translation-blocking morpholino and characterized through immunofluorescence
and touch response assays. Immunofluorescence showed that SynCAM2a is important
for recruiting several pre- and postsynaptic components to the Rohon Beard sensory
neuron:Commissural Primary Ascending interneuron synapse, a key constituent of the
touch response neuronal circuit. SynCAM2a knock down also showed a 50% reduction
in the responsiveness of zebrafish embryos to touch, confirming the necessity of
SynCAM2a in constructing this behavioral pathway. Additionally, we found that the
intracellular 4.1- and PDZ-binding motifs of SynCAM2a are necessary for promoting
synaptic assembly, signifying that both domains are involved in coordinating the
recruitment and stabilization of proteins at the pre- and postsynaptic terminals.
Together, these findings suggest that SynCAM2a is important for forming the synaptic
contacts necessary to develop a functional neuronal network and drive a defined
behavior.
Description
52 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Biology and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2014.
Keywords
Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Synapse, SynCAM2a, Neuron, Touch Response