Endocytosis

Nervous system function relies on the polarized architecture of neurons, established by directional transport of pre- and postsynaptic cargoes. While delivery of postsynaptic components depends on the secretory pathway, the identity of the membrane compartment(s) that supply presynaptic active zone (AZ) and synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins is largely unknown. I will discuss our recent advances in our understanding of how key components of the presynaptic machinery for neurotransmitter release are transported and assembled focussing on our studies in genome-engineered human induced pluripotent st

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission and participate in memory formation. Synaptic strength is proportional to the number of AMPARs in the postsynaptic membrane. Previous models of AMPA receptor trafficking can explain their fast, brief incorporation in dendritic spines after LTP induction but offer limited insights into long-lasting changes in AMPAR content at potentiated spines[1,2]. Hence, a unified modeling framework is necessary to understand persistent synaptic changes in AMPAR numbers. Molecular trafficking, such as diffusion, active transport, endo/exocytos

…including vesicular trafficking, endocytosis, and cytoskeletal organization. Some studies have reported that flotillin-positive extracellular vesicles can be used as biomarker for AD diagnosis in blood samples. Due to its constitutive expression, flotillins can be expressed by many cell types. Our aim was to characterize the expression and localization of Flot1 in neurons and deduce the potential role of Flotillin-1 (Flot1) in AD. We use super-resolution microscopy methods such as A

…protein 1 (LRP1) regulates the endocytosis of tau in neurons and thus its subsequent spread. This LRP1-mediated endocytosis is depended upon regulation of actin. The major regulator of actin filament dynamics is tropomyosin, a family of proteins, shown to

As evidence for the NMDA receptor hypofunction theory of schizophrenia grows, more attention is being paid to restoring correct glutamatergic signalling as a therapy option leading to development of novel antipsychotics. The ESCRT proteins groups are involved in sorting ubiquitinated membrane receptors to lysosomes, which is a key method for reducing cell surface receptor signalling. The research illustrates the effect of knocking down and overexpression of TSG101 and VPS4a genes on the function of ESCRTs machinery and the expression of NMDA receptors. The average number of NMDA receptors on t

…These genes converge on pathways (endocytosis/phagocytosis, cholesterol metabolism, and immune response) with critical roles in core macrophage functions such as efferocytosis. Here, we review these pathways, highlighting releva