Research Projects

This study aims to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating homeostatic plasticity and memory. Hebbian plasticity is essential for storing event-specific information, but continuous engagement of neural circuits can lead to unconstrained synaptic strengthening or weakening, posing a risk for loss of synapse specificity and deficits in information storage. Homeostatic plasticity, a cell intrinsic response, prevents instability of neural circuits. Synaptic scaling, a form of homeostatic plasticity, adjusts synaptic strength based on network activity. The research will focus on synaptic downscaling following chronic hyperactivity, with the application of bicuculline, a GABA antagonist. LncRNA differentially expressed upon hyperactivity will be analyzed using genome-wide RNA sequencing. Abundance of lncRNAs in neuronal dendrite following hyperactivity will be identified through quantitative PCR. The study will also investigate lncRNA-mediated regulation of translation during synaptic scaling. Affinity purification of polyribosome-associated translating transcripts containing Hemagglutinin (HA) tag ribosomal protein Rpl22 will be used to analyze the spatial scale of translation linked with synaptic scaling. The study will also investigate the mechanism of translation involving direct interaction between lncRNAs and RNA binding proteins linked with synaptic downscaling.