Molecular control of synapse identity and plasticity in cerebellar Purkinje cells

[ABSTRACT]

The brain is composed of many different types of neuronal populations that form functional networks by establishing specific synapses. Our team's aim is to identify the molecular determinants of synapse diversity and understand how these determinants contribute to normal network formation and function in the mammalian brain.

For this, we use the well-characterized olivocerebellar circuit as a model. In this system, two different excitatory inputs, the climbing fibers and the parallel fibers, converge on the same target, the cerebellar Purkinje cells. These two synaptic connections are distinct in their functional, morphological and molecular characteristics. 

In the past years, the Selimi team has developed new genetic tools to dissect the molecular characteristics of the olivocerebellar network at the neuron- and synapse–specific levels. We have identified the role of complement-related proteins in the regulation of excitatory synapse formation and plasticity. In particular I will present unpublished data demonstrating the regulation of synaptic plasticity by a previously unknown transmembrane tether for E3 ubiquitin ligases.