# mTOR Hyperactivity Disrupts the Molecular Framework of Inhibitory Synapses

> **NIH NIH F31** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $46,036

## Abstract

Project Summary
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) develops from loss of function mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, whose
protein products associate and inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In turn, mTOR
hyperactivity results, which is considered to be the driving pathological feature of TSC. TSC patients suffer
from epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and TSC researchers hypothesize that seizures in early
childhood can cause ASD. Current treatments aim to decrease the likelihood of seizure generation, but these
medications have serious side effects. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to identify the
molecular mechanism that contributes to seizures and to provide new pharmacological treatments. It is
suggested that the imbalance between excitation and inhibition underlies seizures and ASD. Specifically,
inhibitory synaptic protein expression is disrupted in these disorders and may be a common hub of dysfunction
in ASDs and epilepsy. This study investigates how the inhibitory synapse is dysregulated in TSC. We
hypothesize that mTOR hyperactivity in TSC represses the formation of inhibitory synapses through
mTORC1-dependent mRNA repression. Utilizing an unbiased bioinformatics approach, we identified a
putative mTOR-sensitive inhibitory synaptic protein, vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT)- a presynaptic protein
which packages GABA and glycine (inhibitory neurotransmitters) into synaptic vesicles. We will determine if
elevated levels of an RNA-binding protein, DJ-1, binds and represses vGAT mRNA translation in vivo in the
cortex of TSC1 wildtype compared to TSC1 heterozygous mice. Additionally, with a de novo protein synthesis
assay, we will test the hypothesis that mTORC1 represses mRNA translation of vGAT; we will determine if
rapamycin treatment (mTORC1 inhibition) and DJ-1 knockdown increase protein synthesis of vGAT in Aim 1.
Finally, in Aim 2, we will utilize two complimentary approaches: in vitro electrophysiology and a novel in vitro
synapse measuring assay to determine if the number of vGAT-gephyrin synapses are decreased in a TSC1
gene dosage dependent loss, and if mTORC1 inhibition rescues this deficit. Collectively, these two related yet
independent aims will help elucidate our mechanistic understanding of how protein synthesis deficits impair the
formation of inhibitory synapses.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10234372
- **Project number:** 1F31NS117096-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Samuel Henry Barth
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $46,036
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-06-04 → 2023-06-03

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10234372

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10234372, mTOR Hyperactivity Disrupts the Molecular Framework of Inhibitory Synapses (1F31NS117096-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10234372. Licensed CC0.

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