Presentation
Neuropeptides are ancient, potent regulators of behaviour and physiology. They are synthesized in the cell body and sorted to appropriate organelles called dense core vesicles (DCVs). Studies in endocrine cells (e.g. pancreatic β-cells) link DCV cell biology to multiple pathophysiologies.
However, DCV cell biology remains poorly understood, particularly in neurons. C. elegans has proven useful to delineate molecular mechanisms for synaptic release. It offers similar opportunities to investigate DCV biology – the focus of this proposal.
Confirming this, recent C. elegans work is uncovering mechanisms for DCV biogenesis. Our previous works bring us to a unique position in the field to reveal several new mechanisms controlling neuropeptide biology in neurons. Our collaboration will best exploit our separate strengths: forward genetics and cell biology expertise.
Promoters
- Mario De Bono, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge
- Patrick Laurent, Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Université libre de Bruxelles
Thanks to the Foundation’s support, Dr Lorenzo Romiro has been hired at the ULB to work on this project.