Synaptic scaffold proteins regulate presynaptic proteostasis (A18)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2015 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184695641

Autophagy and the endo-lysosome systems are essential cellular programs, allowing cells to manage protein repertoires and clear damage proteins arising by genetic or environmental insults. In A18, we will explore how scaffold proteins of presynaptic active zones locally regulate the ubiquitin based tagging and clearance of damaged presynaptic vesicle proteins, using super-resolution microscopy, live imaging, electrophysiology and rapid freeze immuno-EM. The project will lead to a deeper understanding of how presynaptic proteostatic systems act to maintain the integrity and function of synapses and/or contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 958: Scaffolding of Membranes: Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Craig C. Garner, until 3/2022; Professor Dr. Dietmar Schmitz, since 4/2022