Our laboratory is interested in defining the contribution of endocytic trafficking to the function of neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4). Neurotrophins interact with two cell surface receptors (Trks and p75) involved in the regulation of different aspects of the developing and adult nervous system, including cell death axonal elongation and synaptic plasticity. Both receptors, together with their ligands, are internalized and follow a post-endocytic pathway crucial for neurotrophin signaling and function. We are studying the molecular mechanisms of internalization, intracellular traffic and proteolytic processing of neurotrophin receptors, in the cell body and along axon and dendrites. We are also analyzing how the endocytic behavior of Trks and p75 could modulate the response of neurons to neurotrophins. Because several neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by endocytic abnormalities, we expect to provide new clues to understand the alterations of neurotrophin signaling in neurodegenerative diseases.
FONDAP-CRCP
Av. Bernardo O´Higgins 340 -
Santiago -
Región Metropolitana
Chile
Phone: 56-2-6862592 - Fax: 56-2-6862959
fondapni@bio.puc.cl
http://www.fondap-crcp.cl
