cAMP dynamics in memory consolidation of Drosophila melanogaster

• Applicant: Dr. Lisa Scheunemann
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 255280318

Learning and memory formation require a concerted interaction between different molecular signalling pathways that together constitute an integrative network within the brain. Although the individual pathways are well characterised, the molecular mechanisms of their integration and its importance for learning and memory are not. Drosophila melanogaster displays a uniquely suitable model organism to study the molecular processes underlying memory formation because of a well-established conditioning paradigm and access to genetic manipulation.The cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway was shown to be a major mediator of memory-associated signal integration across phyla. In Drosophila, two genes rutabaga (rut) and dunce (dnc) were shown to regulate cAMP signals and comprise fundamental roles in memory formation. However, cAMP signalling is complex and its differential integration within different pathways is hardly understood. Our knowledge of cAMP integration was expanded by my characterisation of functionally independent cAMP pools regulated by dnc. These pools affect dynamically distinct memory components. Visualisation of learning-dependent cAMP activation will further elucidate the dynamic organisation of different memory components in the brain. The laboratory of Dr. Thomas Préat mainly contributed to establish in vivo imaging in Drosophila.Here, we propose to investigate the functions of dnc in memory formation by taking advantage of in vivo imaging analysis. Therefore, a device integrating behavioural conditioning and microscopy will be established. Thereby it is aimed to unravel functionally distinct cAMP pools that decide if a memory is consolidated into short- or long-lived memories and how their dynamics are mutually entangled. Moreover, we aim to emphasise age-dependent changes of cAMP-related signals that may contribute to memory decline that is often associated with age.Answering these questions will help to extend models of in vivo memory processing according to the integrative nature of signal computation within the brain implicating cognitive as well as psychological disorders.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: France
• Host: Dr. Thomas Preat