Proteomic analysis of the presynaptic active zone from APP/APLP mutant mice

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Michael Karas; Professor Dr. Walter Volknandt
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 138733498

Synaptic vesicles docked to the presynaptic plasma membrane comprise the exocytosiscompetent subpopulation of vesicles at the active zone. Employing subcellular fractionation of synaptosomes derived from mouse brain and a monoclonal antibody directed against an integral vesicle membrane protein, we could immunoisolate synaptic vesicles together with the attached presynaptic plasma membrane. All three members of the APP family are present in the immunoisolated active zone fraction. Our goal is to compare the proteome of the presynaptic active zone of APP/APLP-knockout mice to that of controls. In addition, we will investigate if there are differences in the posttranslational modifications of presynaptic proteins following induced synaptic activity between littermate controls and APP/APLP mutant mice. Differences in the protein profile will be analyzed and the functional consequences evaluated by a joint effort within the consortium.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 1332: Physiological Functions of the APP Gene Family in the Central Nervous System