Life Science Seminar

 

▶ Subject :  Studies on the Regulation and Function of WAVE1

▶ Speaker:  Prof. Yong Kim(Rockefeller University)

▶ Date :  4:00PM/ Jun. 5(Tue) /2012

▶ Place :  Auditorium(1F), Postech Biotech Center

 

*Abstract
WAVE1 (the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-family verprolin homologous protein 1) is a key regulator of Arp (actin-related protein) 2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization in neurons. WAVE1 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of dendritic spine morphology. In addition, WAVE1 localizes to the outer membrane of mitochondria, and plays a role in mitochondrial morphology and trafficking to the dendritic spines.  The state of phosphorylation of WAVE1 at three distinct residues controls its ability to regulate actin polymerization. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) phosphorylates WAVE1 at Ser310, Ser397 and Ser441 to a high basal stoichiometry, resulting in inhibition of WAVE1 activity. WAVE1 can be dephosphorylated at all three sites and thereby activated upon stimulation of the D1 subclass of dopamine receptors and of the NMDA subclass of glutamate receptors, acting through cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways, respectively. PP-2A and PP-2B are identified as the effectors for these second messengers. Importantly WAVE1 is activated through the dopamine and NMDA signaling pathway in cocaine-treated mouse brains. In addition, the levels of WAVE1 protein and phosphorylation are altered in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, WAVE1-mediated synaptic function may play a role in cocaine addiction and Alzheimer’s disease.     

 

☎ Inquiry : Prof. Ryu Sung Ho(279-2292)

* This Seminar will be given in English.