I. Roles of mRNA transport and local translation in the formation of neuronal networks

The transport of specific mRNAs and local control of translation in neuronal dendrites represent an important gene expression system that provides localized protein synthesis in dendrites at just the right time and place. It is believed that this system controls the location at which neurites will connect to each other, thereby forming neural networks. Our main interest is to understand the mechanisms and roles of mRNA transport and local translation in neuronal dendrites. We are researching factors regulating mRNA transport and local translation, their target mRNAs, and the mechanisms of localized protein synthesis using mice in order to better understand its relation to the formation of synapses and neural networks, memory, learning, and behavior.