Project Summary

Klara Olofsdotter-Otis, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of University of California, Los Angeles, plans to study how a particular protein, importin α moves from the cytoplasm of the synapse into the distant nucleus of hippocampal cells to mediate long-term synaptic plasticity, or the modification of brain connections due to experience. In preliminary experiments, Dr. Olofsdotter-Otis has found that importin α is present in cultured hippocampal neurons, and that neuronal activity triggers its nuclear translocation. In this proposal, Dr Olofsdotter-Otis aims to determine the specific forms of the protein present in mouse hippocampal neurons, to determine the specific types of synaptic stimulation that trigger translocation of each type from synapse to nucleus, and to determine whether active nuclear transport mediated by importin α is required for long-term synaptic plasticity. Ultimately, Dr. Olofsdotter-Otis hopes to identify what cargoes the importin α transport. Both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology presumably produce lasting changes in behavior by affecting synaptic plasticity. Basic studies of synaptic plasticity mechanisms may help design pharmacological treatments to enhance current therapies.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar Depression

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