# Retraction or reshaping: dissecting the role of mitochondrial ROS in synaptic plasticity

> **NIH NIH SC1** · BERNARD M. BARUCH COLLEGE · 2021 · $353,626

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Neuronal function requires the reshaping and rewiring of neural connections through a
fundamental process named synaptic plasticity. It is well known that the strength of
neurotransmission is regulated by feedback signaling between the pre- and postsynaptic
neuron, which leads to short- and/or long-term structural adaptations. However, little is
known about how this regulation occurs. The current objective is to elucidate this missing
mechanistic link by exploring emerging signaling roles of mitochondria, which are
organelles that sustain the local energy demand of synaptic function and plasticity. Based
on the rationale that neuronal activity sets the pace of aerobic energy conversion and of
emission of chemically reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondria, we hypothesize
that controlled and localized mitochondrial emission of ROS regulates synaptic function
and plasticity. Our preliminary data show that emission of mitochondrial ROS can be
elicited specifically in presynaptic terminals in vivo. We will pioneer in the use of
optogenetics for synchronized induction and measurement of ROS emission during
synaptic function. Functional ROS signaling targets will be explored using super resolution
fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry. Importantly, our collaborators and we
established a method to elicit and study synaptic plasticity within just a few hours using
optogenetics in vivo. Our results will impact therapies aimed improving neuronal
communication in age-related neurodegeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10229370
- **Project number:** 5SC1GM136609-02
- **Recipient organization:** BERNARD M. BARUCH COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Pablo M Peixoto
- **Activity code:** SC1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $353,626
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-08-05 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10229370

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10229370, Retraction or reshaping: dissecting the role of mitochondrial ROS in synaptic plasticity (5SC1GM136609-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10229370. Licensed CC0.

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