# CPEB1 regulated synapse elimination by microglia

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2021 · $83,750

## Abstract

The sequence-specific mRNA-binding protein CPEB1 (Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 1)
regulates mRNA polyadenylation and translation and has been linked to defects in synaptic plasticity, learning,
and memory. Synaptic connections between neurons are an essential determinant of cognitive function and are
continuously surveyed by microglia, the glial cells of the brain with immunological function. Microglia affect the
synapse number, and their activation correlates with synaptic pruning in many neurological disorders including
aging. Our preliminary study shows that microglia purified from CPEB1-deficient mouse brain are activated and
engulf an increased number of labeled synaptosomes as compared to WT. Using CPEB1 knockout mice, we
find a significant reduction in synapse number in hippocampal region CA1. One key question to address is
whether the synaptic loss we observe is microglia-autonomous or is due to CPEB1-deficiency in other cells such
as neurons or other glia. To answer this question, we will create microglia-specific CPEB1 knockout (KO)
animals. This proposal aims directly build on and expand our preliminary findings. Precisely, we will 1) Analyze
loss of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in different brain regions during development, 2) Determine the
involvement of CPEB1 in barrel cortex synapse elimination by microglia, 3) Generate microglia-specific CPEB1
KO animals, and 4) Determine the phagocytic ability of microglia in different brain regions during development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10064149
- **Project number:** 5R03MH121871-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Mariya P. Ivshina
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $83,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-12-02 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10064149

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10064149, CPEB1 regulated synapse elimination by microglia (5R03MH121871-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10064149. Licensed CC0.

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