Control of inhibitory synaptic transmission by the splicing regulator Rbfox1

University Of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Post-transcriptional regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) underlies many processes critical for proper neuronal function. Dysregulation of the brain-enriched RBP Rbfox1 has been linked to serious neurological diseases such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. While Rbfox1 regulation of synaptic function is thought to contribute to these diseases, efforts to understand how RNA-level changes affect neuronal physiology remain in their infancy, and the mechanism of Rbfox1 regulation is not yet well understood. The long-term goal of understanding complex neurological diseases will require careful investigation of Rbfox1 regulation of synaptic function at the cellular and molecular level We have identified an Rbfox1 target, Vamp1, which may be involved in inhibitory synaptic transmission. We hypothesize that Rbfox1 controls neuronal excitability by regulating Vamp1 at the post-transcriptional level in a cell-type specific manner. We will combine electrophysiological and biochemical approaches in mouse neurons to 1) Determine the function of Vamp1 in the Rbfox1 knockout and 2) Define the mechanism by which Rbfox1 regulates Vamp1 transcript levels. These studies will provide mechanistic insight into Rbfox1 function and cell- type specific post-transcriptional regulation and lay the foundation for understanding the molecular basis of serious neurological diseases.