Seminar: The Role of miRNAs in Glia During Synaptogenesis

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Date/Time:Friday, 15 Oct 2021 from 4:10 pm to 5:00 pm
Location:1414 Molecular Biology
Cost:Free
Contact:Danise Jones
Phone:515-294-2687
Channel:Research
Categories:Lectures
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Join this seminar to hear Dr. Elizabeth McNeill, Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University, discuss her research around determining which specific micro-RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are used in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections to shape neural circuits.

Join this seminar in-person in 1414 Molecular Biology.

Synopsis: Micro(mi)RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been broadly implicated in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections required to shape neural circuits; however, relatively few specific miRNAs that control synapse formation have been identified. Using a conditional transgenic toolkit for competitive inhibition of miRNA function in Drosophila, we performed an unbiased screen for novel regulators of synapse morphogenesis at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Out of a set of ten new validated regulators of NMJ growth, we discovered that 7 miRNAs function in glial cells. This is the first evidence of multiple glial miRNAs playing a significant role in modulation of synaptic growth. Further characterization of human conserved miR-92 function at the synapse indicates a role in synaptic growth and maturation. A search for conserved downstream targets for miR-92 identified a vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) VHA-55. Manipulation of miR-92 function in glial cells supports a model where glial miR-92 inhibits VHA-55 to regulate synaptic maturation and synaptic growth.