# Molecular mechanisms underlying activity-induced synaptic remodeling

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2021 · $436,541

## Abstract

The ability of neurons to rapidly modify synaptic structure and strength in response to neuronal
activity, a process called activity-induced structural and functional plasticity, is crucial for
neuronal development and complex brain functions such as learning and memory. Recent
evidence suggests that integrin receptors, a major class of cell adhesion molecules, play an
important role in synaptic plasticity. However, how neurons dynamically couple synaptic
demand to structural remodeling, and what activates integrin during neuronal activity remain
elusive. My lab has recently identified a novel protein named Shriveled (Shv) that activates
integrin via outside-in signaling. We now have evidence showing that Shv is selectively released
during intense neuronal activity, and that shv mutant cannot undergo synaptic remodeling in
response to neuronal activity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. In this proposal, we
will: (1) investigate the role that Shv plays during development to regulate synaptic growth and
function; (2) delineate how neuronal activity regulates Shv release and activity-induced
structural and functional plasticity; (3) elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying
activity-induced structural remodeling. As a healthy nervous system depends on the ability of
neurons to dynamically adjust synaptic strength and modify synaptic structure in response to
neuronal activity, elucidating Shv functions and mechanisms underlying activity-induced
synaptic remodeling may lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent neurological and
psychiatric disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10210446
- **Project number:** 5R01NS102260-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** KAREN T CHANG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $436,541
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10210446

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10210446, Molecular mechanisms underlying activity-induced synaptic remodeling (5R01NS102260-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10210446. Licensed CC0.

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