P02 - Homeostasis
Axonal transport and presynaptic function during neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation impairs neuronal homeostasis and viability through a number of pathophysiological processes, including axonal transport regulating presynaptic function. The proposed project aims to (i) gain functional insights into inflammation-induced changes in microtubule dynamics, (ii) investigate their contribution to axonal transport deficits and/or synaptic dysfunction under inflammatory triggers, and (iii) explore neuronal defense strategies to combat such pathological changes. Using neuronal live-cell imaging, proximity labeling-based identification of the presynaptic proteome and EAE in vivo, we aim to investigate and rescue axonal and synaptic pathomechanisms under inflammatory conditions.
Principal investigators
Project team
Kira Brune
Postdoctoral scientist
Leonie Rommel
PhD student
Publications
The kinesin Kif21b binds myosin Va and mediates changes in actin dynamics underlying homeostatic synaptic downscaling. Gromova K.V., Thies E., Janiesch P.C. et al. Cell Rep. 42, 112743 (2023).
Spastin depletion increases tubulin polyglutamylation and impairs kinesin-mediated neuronal transport, leading to working and associative memory deficits. Lopes A.T., Hausrat T.J., Heisler F.F. et al. PLoS Biol. 18, e3000820 (2020).
Investigating the Molecular Composition of Neuronal Subcompartments Using Proximity Labeling. Lohse M., Sun S., Fiosins M. et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2910, 105-125 (2025).
