SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn, NY, United States
The research interests of our group are directed at the functional roles of regulatory neuronal RNAs, translational control pathways in neurons, and RNA transport mechanisms in dendrites. We have gained insight into spatial targeting codes, and code recognition mechanisms, that are used by neurons to specify RNA delivery to synapto-dendritic domains. We have also made significant advances concerning mechanisms and functional consequences of translational control by dendritic regulatory BC RNAs. Our work has shown that translational regulation by such RNAs is instrumental in the control of neuronal excitability and plasticity. Inadequate regulation gives rise to dysfunction in the form of hyperexcitability, a propensity for epileptogenic responses, and cognitive impairment. Similar phenotypic alterations also manifest when transport of BC RNAs to their synapto-dendritic sites of function is impaired, as is the case in the fragile X premutation animal model. In recent work, we discovered that lupus autoantibodies engage BC RNA dendritic targeting elements, causing significantly diminished delivery of BC RNAs to their synapto-dendritic sites of function and associated phenotypic sequelae.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Monday, November 14, 2022
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM Eastern Time
