Deciphering Novel Calcium-signaling Circuits Implicated in the Neurobiology of ADHD

Deciphering Novel Calcium-signaling Circuits Implicated in the Neurobiology of ADHD

Presenter(s)

Aikaterini Britzolaki, Claire C Cronin, Patrick Robert Flaherty, Benjamin Klocke, Joey Edward Saurine

Description

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly-heritable heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD affects 5% of children and 2.5% of adults in the general population with higher prevalence in males than females. It is believed that ADHD is caused by alterations in several neuronal circuits. In the quest of determining the regulators that lead to such neuronal alterations, intraneuronal calcium signaling has been vastly studied. Indeed, intracellular calcium signaling is crucial for the fate of the neurons and calcium dyshomeostasis has been associated with a variety of debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Our group focuses on deciphering the regulatory mechanisms coupled to calcium-handling in the central nervous system (CNS). Comprehensive studies have revealed that calcium distribution 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 are demonstrating for the first time, its implication in the neurobiology of ADHD. In the context of this presentation we will demonstrate overwhelming molecular, cellular and behavioral data to support the pivotal role of this novel calcium-regulating protein in the neurobiology of ADHD.

Publication Date

4-24-2019

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Pothitos Pitychoutis

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

Deciphering Novel Calcium-signaling Circuits Implicated in the Neurobiology of ADHD

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