How can snails help us understand memory formation?

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

How can snails help us understand memory formation?

Event details

One of the first things our synapses adapt when storing information or “forming a memory” is the number of AMPA receptors - ion channels activated by neurotransmitter glutamate. The dynamic changes in AMPA receptor numbers are thus one of the main molecular mechanisms underpinning memory formation and learning. Visualisation of AMPA receptor movements in and out of the synapses relies on super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, which necessitates tagging of native AMPA receptors with fluorescent labels. Most commonly used non-genetic tags, such as fluorescent antibodies, bind to AMPA receptor extracellular domains increasing the effective height of the receptors for 5 or more nm. This is problematic for two reasons: synaptic clefts are tight and crowded spaces (~25 nm across) with AMPA receptor extracellular domains protruding ~14 nm into the synaptic cleft and most likely engaging in interactions with a number of synaptic proteins. Attaching a bulky label to AMPA receptor extracellular domains not only presents a steric hindrance for movements in and out of the synaptic cleft, but also possibly limits interactions between AMPA receptors and other synaptic proteins. We propose a small toxic protein called Con-ikot-ikot produced by a predatory sea snail could overcome these limitations. Here, we elucidate its mechanism of action and binding properties to AMPA receptors which make it suitable for fluorescently labelling native AMPA receptors.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

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