Role of the (pro)renin receptor for neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Oliver von Bohlen und Halbach; Professor Dr. Jörg Peters
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 224507502

Aim of the project is to clarify the role of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] for neuronal plasticity and learning in the adult hippocampal formation. It has been shown in embryonic cells that the (P)RR is essential for neuronal development, representing an adaptor between V-ATPases and Wnt-receptors. We will test the hypothesis that the (P)RR modulates neuronal functions also in the adult brain and unravel its mechanisms of action. By means of co-localisation, immunoprecipitation and yeast tow hybrid analysis we are planning to define the binding partners of the (P)RR in the adult brain and in adult neuronal cells. Using knock out and knock down technologies we will characterize its role for secretion of neurotransmitters. Inhibition of (P)RR protein production by means of stereotactic injection of shRNA into specific areas of the hippocampus shall give us information about the role of the (P)RR for neurogenesis, synaptic facilitation and long term potentiation/depression. With the present project we hope to gain new information about (P)RR-mediated mechanisms of learning and neuronal regeneration in the adult hippocampus.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants