# Regulation of Presynaptic Gene Transcripts During Synaptogenesis

> **NIH NIH F31** · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $48,974

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Regulating mRNA in space and time is an ancient, conserved operation cells perform to precisely
coordinate the flow of genetic information available for translation. RNA transcription, localization and local
translation is implicated in neuronal outgrowth, plasticity, and repair, and dysregulation of these RNA processes
leads to diverse neurological disorders. Mutations in several RNA binding proteins are associated with
neurodevelopmental diseases and axon defects, yet the role of mRNA regulation in synaptogenesis remains
unclear. Additionally, most neuronal RNA localization studies focus on postsynaptic compartments, and very
few studies have been conducted in vivo in the context of intact physiology. This project takes advantage of the
genetic accessibility and transparency of the nematode C. elegans to investigate mRNA regulation as
synaptogenesis occurs in the living animal, focusing on the conserved essential presynaptic active zone gene
syd-2/liprin-alpha. This will be accomplished using a combination of high-resolution imaging and mass
spectrometry, which will characterize the dynamics of syd-2 mRNA and identify novel candidates of mRNA
regulation at the transcriptional and trafficking level. Proof-of-principle preliminary data suggests that live
imaging of endogenous RNA transcription and mRNA granule movement can be performed in neurons of the
intact worm using the MS2 binding site/MS2 coat protein system to label endogenous mRNA with fluorescent
proteins. Ongoing work will pair this system with an active zone marker, an orthologous high-resolution protein
imaging system, and a proximity labeling enzyme to probe the relationship between mRNA regulation and
synaptogenesis and uncover novel regulatory mechanisms. Studying neuronal mRNA regulation using
complementary live imaging and unbiased biochemical approaches like mass spectrometry will reveal how
these complex neurodevelopmental processes are coordinated and identify regulatory candidates for future
therapeutic targeting. The studies proposed here (via a co-mentorship) will synergize Singer lab RNA imaging
technology with Kurshan lab expertise in presynaptic assembly to further our understanding of neuronal mRNA
regulation in living organisms. This proposal will facilitate the achievement of Jackson’s career goal to become
an excellent physician-scientist and leader of a laboratory, harnessing the exceptional learning environment of
Albert Einstein College of Medicine to foster his scientific and professional growth.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10901073
- **Project number:** 1F31NS137668-01
- **Recipient organization:** ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Jackson A Rogow
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $48,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10901073

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10901073, Regulation of Presynaptic Gene Transcripts During Synaptogenesis (1F31NS137668-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10901073. Licensed CC0.

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