Functional significance of the glutamate transporter GLT1 expression in neurons

• Applicant: Dr. Wencke Armsen
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2007 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 53060198

The glutamate transporter GLT1, previously thought to be expressed exclusively in astrocytes, has recently been found in excitatory terminals. In this research proposal, the function and significance of glutamate transporter GLT1 expression especially in neurons as opposed to glia cells will be analyzed in an in vivo model using mouse genetics. Four mouse lines will be generated allowing either in- or reactivation of GLT1 in neurons or glia. In addition, the reactivatable GLT1 mouse line will express the green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the GLT1-promotor, thereby allowing further examination of GLT1 expression in different cell types. Glutamate transporters play an important function in maintaining glutamate homeostasis since they are the only known uptake mechanism for glutamate in the brain. Glutamate has been shown to be neurotoxic and is important in the pathogenesis of ischemia. The mouse lines generated in this project will help analyze the physiological role of GLT1 expression in neurons but will also be of use in understanding the pathogenesis of acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Paul A. Rosenberg, Ph.D.