N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors represent integral signal transducers for excitatory glutamate neurotransmission. While NMDA receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity, the molecular events underlying this process are not fully elucidated. The potential role of NP22, a novel neuronal protein, as a downstream mediator of NMDA receptor function is explored. NP22 protein expression in genetic and pharmacological models of NMDA receptor hypofunction is examined and no significant changes are reported. Characterization of the NP22 protein complex via tandem-affinity and FLAG-purification coupled with mass spectrometry was used and no novel protein interactions are reported. GFP-tagged NP22 colocalization with F-actin decreases in cell processes of transiently transfected HEK293 cells in response to elevated intracellular calcium, while similar colocalization reductions are not seen in stably transfected HEK293 under a comparable treatment regiment. Changes in intracellular calcium affecting NP22 biology can be useful in the ongoing characterization of this novel protein.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/30617 |
| Date | 08 December 2011 |
| Creators | Gulersen, Moti |
| Contributors | Ramsey, Amy J., George, Susan |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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