The structural biology of synaptic connectivity: understanding the extracellular organizers of neurotransmission

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Neuronal circuits are essentially the biological substrate for all aspects of brain function. And synapses, the connecting points for neurons, hold the key to understanding these circuits. They are continuously remodelled in response to novel experiences, and this is likely the anatomical substrate for learning and formation of long-lasting memories. Synapses have probably been studied more than any other cellular structure over the past century, with all the tools afforded by neuroscience in its broadest possible sense (from anatomy to genetics, physiology to biochemistry, cell to molecular biology). Structural biology employs a combination of methods, including the use of X-rays and electron beams, to define shapes and mechanisms of action of biological molecules. I aim to apply such techniques to study the special type of protein assemblies that span the so-called "synaptic cleft", the space that separates the outer membranes of two connected neurons. Traditionally, these proteins were studied in isolation, following purification and crystallization. This approach provided a wealth of information regarding the detailed atomic organization of receptors for small molecule neurotransmitters, for example. But if we are to understand how synapses work we must attempt to reach a higher level of complexity, that of multi-molecular assemblies, for the simple reason that in real life proteins never work alone. This is a key goal of my research. Trans-synaptic protein assemblies are important in (at least) two ways: they provide structural support, physically tying together the pre- and post- synaptic neurons, and they provide avenues for communication between these cells. This latter aspect in particular is poorly characterised, and one of my main hypotheses is that such assemblies are highly dynamic, changing size and possibly shape in response to neuronal activity. From a basic science point of view, understanding such a mechanism should provide a completely novel view into how synaptic signalling actually works. My work will also have an important impact in medicine, by providing snapshots into the molecular mechanisms that control synaptic stability. In humans, normal healthy aging is marked by variable degrees of neural deterioration and cognitive impairment. These are accompanied by a reduction in synapse numbers in regions of the brain involved in learning, memory and executive functions. Moreover, a malfunction of synaptic signalling and changes in synaptic morphology and number are linked to the majority of psychiatric and neurological disorders, from mental retardation and autism to Alzheimer's disease and addiction. Astonishingly, a recent report from the European Brain Council and the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology states that more than 160 million Europeans (~38% of the population in the 27 EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland) suffer from mental disorders. For example, in the UK alone, according to Alzheimer's society, there are currently about 750,000 people suffering form dementia (one in 14 people over 65 years of age, and one in six over 80), costing the society in excess of £17 billion a year. These numbers are likely to go up as life expectancy increases. Surprisingly, recent reports revealed that a number of central nervous system disorders (including certain forms of encephalitis and ataxia) can be treated by immunotherapy. This is because they are triggered by autoantibodies against synaptic proteins. Working together with clinical immunologists and a local company specialized in high-throughput screening, my laboratory will help develop new tools for diagnosis, aiming to identify more conditions that can be tackled in this innovative and relatively straightforward way.