Award details

Regulation of neuronal signalling through alternate splicing of a sodium channel gene

Reference	BB/C003926/2
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Richard Baines
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The University of Manchester
Department	Life Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	109,270
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/06/2007
End date	31/10/2008
Duration	17 months

Abstract

To function correctly, developing neurons must acquire a characteristic mix of voltage-gated ion channels to allow appropriate integration of synaptic excitation and action potential firing. Which channels are expressed, together with their subcellular location and density, are likely set as part of a developmental program that is both intrinsic (ie. specific transcription factors) and extrinsic (ie. exposure to synaptic transmission and cell-cell contract) to individual neurons. The mechanisms that govern these fundamental decisions are, however, poorly understood. This study focuses on the role of alternate splicing to produce diversity in signalling properties. The Na+ current, present in Drosophila neurons, is encoded by paralytic and multiple splice variants of this gene have been identified. The question remains as to how each variant contributes to neuronal signalling. This study will identify and characterise the channel properties of the major splice variants for para expressed in the embryonic CNS. The contribution of these variants to neuronal signalling and motor behaviour will also be determined by in vivo expression in the embryonic CNS. The information provided will represent the first detailed examination of how regulated splicing underlies the emergence of appropriate behaviour in a developing organism.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	Neuroscience and Behaviour
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

BB/C003926/1 Regulation of neuronal signalling through alternate splicing of a sodium channel gene

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