School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems

Pratishtha Guckhool

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems

Biomedical

Engineering

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Catherine Von Reyn Biomedical Engineering

Linda Solomon Co-Mentor

The role of Neurexins and Neuroligins in neurite structure and synaptic connectivity

Correct neurite arborizations and synapse formation are fundamental for neural network function. The adhesion molecules neurexins (Nrx) and neuroligins (Nlg) participate in proper alignment of synaptic components and stabilization of nascent contacts that lead to the formation of functional synapses. However, recent work has demonstrated that Nrx and Nlg may also participate in neuritic adhesion complexes, prior to synapse formation, that direct the growth and refinement of axonal and dendritic arbors. Here, we investigate these putative dual roles in neural circuit development within the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Our RNA sequencing data suggest Neurexin-1 (Nrx-1) and Neuroligin-4 (Nlg-4) are highly expressed between synaptic partners. We expand upon these data by knocking down Nrx and Nlg with RNA interference. Following immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we quantify changes in synaptic density and axonal and dendritic morphology. Since Nrx and Nlg have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, our data will enrich our understanding of Nrx and Nlg’s role in neural development and may enable the generation of more effective therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.