The functions of postsynaptic density implicated in psychiatric disorders in associative memory formation. (360G-Wellcome-099820_Z_12_A)

Variants in the genes coding for postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins Homer1, DLG1 and DLG2 have been linked to psychopathology and schizophrenia. These proteins are functionally linked to postsynaptic glutamate receptors such asAMPA, NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors, and are thought to be key mediators of synaptic plasticity. Since associative learning is dependent on NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity and is impaired in several psychiatric disorders, we aim to determine the roles that PSD proteins including Homer1, DLG1 and DLG2 have in associative learning, with a view to shedding light on their part in psychiatric pathology To do this, we will a) use in situ hybridization to measure the expression of Homer1 transcription variants, Homer1a and Ania-3, DLG1 and DLG2 during key components of associative learning, including memory consolidation, recall andinhibitory learning, through the fear conditioning of adult rats. b) Use antisense­mediated knockdown of these PSD proteins before consolidation, recall and inhibitory learning, as well as knockout rodent models, to evaluate their function in processes required for associative learning. c) Administer mGiu and AMPA receptor-acting drugs to transgenic animals to investigate gene dependence in associative learning processes.