The Influence of CKAMP44 on Synaptic Physiology

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jakob von Engelhardt
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2011 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184689330

AMPA receptors mediate most of the fast excitatory transmission in the central nervous system. Their function is modulated by the interaction with different auxiliary proteins such as TARPS. Recently, we identified a new AMPA receptor interacting protein (CKAMP44). This brain specific type I transmembrane protein modulates AMPA receptor function by increasing deactivation time constant, decreasing desensitization time constant, slowing recovery from desensitization and increasing glutamate affinity. By its influence on desensitization, CKAMP44 changes short-term plasticity of synaptic AMPA receptormediated currents. Preliminary experiments indicate that over-expression of CKAMP44 has an influence on hippocampal long-term plasticity. Here we propose to analyze in detail the influence of CKAMP44 on AMPA receptor short-term and long-term plasticity. We will investigate this influence in three cell types – CA1 pyramidal cells, dentate gyrus granule cells and nucleus geniculatus relay cells – in which CKAMP44 is differentially expressed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants