Kurzfassung

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a secreted peptide of the family of neurotrophins. In addition of functions during neural development, BDNF is also a intercellular messenger involved in synaptic plasticity. In order to better understand this function, it is of central importance to visualize BDNF transport along axons and dendrites and also the local secretion of BDNF in situ and in vivo. Using knock-in technologies in mouse, novel BDNF alleles will be generated, expressing...BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a secreted peptide of the family of neurotrophins. In addition of functions during neural development, BDNF is also a intercellular messenger involved in synaptic plasticity. In order to better understand this function, it is of central importance to visualize BDNF transport along axons and dendrites and also the local secretion of BDNF in situ and in vivo. Using knock-in technologies in mouse, novel BDNF alleles will be generated, expressing BDNF-YFP fusion protein at endogenous levels. Confocal microscopy together with electrophysiological approaches will enable to follow BDNF-YFP during synaptic processes in situ. Crossing such alleles with mouse models of human neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease, will enable to detail the involvement of BDNF in these neurodegenerative diseases.» weiterlesen» einklappen