CAREER: Structure-Function Studies of a Neurotrophin Receptor Isoform with Novel Neural Differentiation Function

Copie 9984562该研究项目的重点是解决天然存在的神经营养因子受体亚型（ICD-TK- trkC）的胞内结构域的三维结构，该结构域最近被证明与P75受体激活一起有效促进神经元分化。 现代多维（1H，15 N，13 C）NMR方法将用于确定其在溶液中的高分辨率三维结构。本工作的目的是提供结构和分子数据，连同定点诱变实验和生化分析，将带来洞察TK-trkC促进神经细胞分化的机制。本研究的目的是提供关于调节神经元发育的关键生化相互作用的基础知识。这项研究将整合PI的主要教育举措，包括招募美国原住民学生进入科学，在本科生的研究实验室建立“动手”经验和“迷你旋转”，以及组织研讨会系列和导师计划，以鼓励代表性不足的学生团体追求科学专业和/或研究项目。该项目是PI参与蒙大拿州立大学通过NSF赞助的（IGERT）研究生培训计划开发的跨学科研究和教育计划的组成部分。

Copie9984562This research program focuses on solving the three-dimensional structure of the intracellular domain of a naturally occurring neurotrophin receptor isoform, ICD-TK- trkC, which was recently shown, together with P75 receptor activation, to be effective at promoting neuronal differentiation. Modern multi-dimensional (1H, 15N, 13C) NMR methods will be used to determine its 3D structure in solution at high resolution. The goal of this work is to provide structural and molecular data that, together with site-directed mutagenesis experiments and biochemical assays, will bring insight as to the mechanism(s) by which TK- trkC promotes differentiation of neural cells.The objective of this research is to provide fundamental knowledge about key biochemical interactions regulating neuronal development. This research will integrate the PI's major educational initiatives, including the recruitment of Native American students into the sciences, establishment of "hands on" experiences and "mini-rotations" in research laboratories for undergraduate students, and the organization of seminar series and mentorship programs to encourage under-represented student groups to pursue majors and/or research project in science. This project is an integral component of the PI's involvement with the cross-disciplinary research and educational initiatives being developed at Montana State University through an NSF-sponsored (IGERT) graduate training program.