Dynamics of protein synthesis in dopamine-dependent hippocampal synaptic plasticity

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How can the brain store our experiences in memory over long time periods? It is thought that memories are stored as changes in the connections between neurons, called synapses. We think that when a memory is stored, the connection between neurons becomes stronger. How strong one neuron responds to another depends on proteins (receptors) that are present at synapses. For memories to become persistent, the cell needs to produce new proteins. However, we still do not understand well which signals inform the cell when new proteins should be made, and we also do not know how the proteins are delivered specifically to those connections that should be strengthened. In the proposed project, we will first study how signals induce neurons to make new proteins. Of all the events that we experience each day, why is it that some are remembered and others not? Many factors may influence how well we remember. For example, the presentation of a reward may help us remember the event better. Previous research has shown that dopamine, which is released when we receive a reward, is necessary for the neurons to produce new proteins. Here we want to study the underlying mechanism of how dopamine signals to the cell that it should make new protein. We also want to study how the newly produced proteins are distributed in the cell and delivered to the specific connections. To address these questions, we will use new labelling techniques that allow us to distinguish newly produced proteins from those that were already present in the cell. The results should give us new insights into how memories are stored and could potentially open up new avenues for improving memory in ageing individuals and for treating memory disorder.