      |
|
||||||||
|
Dr. Annette Schenck
Our research focuses on dissecting molecular networks and mechanisms underlying human brain function and disease. Mutations in more than 400 genes are known to give rise to mental retardation, providing an exciting starting point into this problem. Some of these genes have been already shown to operate together to control specific aspects of nervous system development and function. We aim at systematically identifying such functional connections. In order to be able to investigate the large number of genes, we use the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. In the fly, genes can be manipulated specifically in neurons with relative ease, and consequences for neuronal architecture, function and cognitive behaviour of the fly, such as learning and memory, can be studied and compared. Our long-term goal is to use the gained knowledge on mental retardation gene function and the fruitfly as a model to search for genetic and chemical modifiers of fly „mental retardation“ phenotypes. This research will identify novel candidate genes and potential medication for humans. Recent data indicate that some forms of mental retardation indeed result from reversible inabilities of the nervous system, raising serious hope that impaired cognition can be treated. Beyond the expected fundamental insights into molecular pathways wiring the brain, our research program also aims at significantly contributing to such developments. |
||||||||
|
Recent key publications Schenck, A., Goto-Silva, L., Collinet, C., Rhinn, M., Giner, A., Habermann, B., Brand, M., and Zerial, M. The endosomal protein APPL1 mediates Akt substrate specificity and cell survival in vertebrate development. Cell, 2008, 133(3): 486-497. Qurashi, A., Sahin, B., Carrera, P., Gautreau, A., Schenck, A.* and Giangrande, A.**corresponding authorsHSPC300 and its role in Neuronal connectivity. Neural Development, in press Kim, Y, Sung ,J.Y., Ceglia, I., Lee, K.W., Ahn, J., Halford, J.M., Kim, A., Kwak, S.P., Park, J.B., Ryu, S.H., Schenck, A., Bardoni, B., Scott, J.D., Nairn, A.C., and Greengard, P. Phosphorylation of WAVE1 regulates actin polymerization and dendritic spine morphology.Nature, 2006, 442(7104): 814-7. Schenck, A., Qurashi A., Carrera, P., Bardoni B., Diebold, C., Schejter E.D., Mandel J.L. and Giangrande, A.WAVE/SCAR, a multifunctional complex coordinating different aspects of neuronal connectivity.Dev Biol, 2004, 274 (2) : 260-70. Schenck, A., Bardoni, B., Langmann, C., Harden, N., Mandel, J.L. and Giangrande, A. CYFIP/Sra-1 regulates neuronal connectivity in Drosophila and links the Rac1 small GTPase pathway to the Fragile X protein.Neuron, 2003, 38(6): 887-98. Schenck, A., Bardoni, B., Moro, A., Bagni, C., and Mandel, J.L.A highly conserved protein family interacting with the fragile X Mental Retardation Protein and displaying selective Interactions with the FMRP related proteins FXR1P and FXR2P.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2001; 98(15): 8844-8849. |
||||||||
