The Impact Of The Changes In Levels Of Adhesion Molecules NCAM2 And DsCAM On Synapse Formation And Function: Implications For Down Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,053.00
Summary
Down syndrome (DS) results from triplication of chromosome 21 and leads to mental retardation, molecular mechanisms of which are not understood. We found that two proteins, NCAM2 and DSCAM, encoded at chromosome 21 are highly expressed in synapses. Synapses are specialized contacts between neurons which allow neurons to process information in the brain. In this project we will test a hypothesis that changes in NCAM2 and DSCAM expression result in synapse abnormalities observed in DS.
SEZ6 AND NEURONAL CALCIUM SIGNALLING IN SYNAPSE DEVELOPMENT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,685.00
Summary
Inappropriate development and function of neuronal circuits is a universal feature of neurological disorders of cognition such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X mental retardation, epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer�s disease. In these diseases, neurons exhibit abnormal neuronal branches (dendrites) and abnormal connections on dendritic spines. This research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms controlling dendrite development that underpin proper neuronal wiring.