Unravelling novel calcium-signaling mechanisms implicated in the neurobiology of learning and memory

Unravelling novel calcium-signaling mechanisms implicated in the neurobiology of learning and memory

    Presenter(s)

    Aikaterini Britzolaki, Joey Edward Saurine

    Description

    Calcium ions are potent regulators of cell fate, as they carry essential information from egg fertilization to cell death. Neuronal cells are no exception to this; calcium signals are critical for neuronal cell function and survival. Intrinsic calcium-cycling aberrations have a detrimental effect on neuronal cell fate, long-term potentiation , learning and memory. Subsequently, calcium signaling imbalances are associated with a wide range of debilitating neurolopsychiatric disorders whose pathophysiological mechanisms are elusive. Our group focuses on unravelling the regulatory mechanisms coupled to calcium handling in the central nervous system. Comprehensive studies have revealed that distribution of calcium in the cell is majorly regulated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and hence the latter’s critical role in maintaining neuronal calcium homeostasis. We have recently identified a novel calcium-regulating protein expressed in the brain and we demonstrate for the first time, its implication in regulating learning and memory processes in the mouse brain. In the context of this presentation we will demonstrate overwhelming molecular and behavioral data to support the pivotal role of this novel calcium-regulating protein in the neurobiology of learning and memory.

    Publication Date

    4-18-2018

    Project Designation

    Graduate Research

    Primary Advisor

    Pothitos Pitychoutis

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Biology

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium project

    Unravelling novel calcium-signaling mechanisms implicated in the neurobiology of learning and memory

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