The role of actin in driving bulk endocytosis in neurons and neurosecretory cells (2012-2014)
Abstract
The overall aim of this grant is to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning bulk endocytosis, in particular, the role of the actin cytoskeleton in mediating this process. This is important not only for our understanding of normal nervous system function, but is also of particular relevance as endocytosis in neurons is affected in a number of pathologies. Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementias, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, and Niemann-Pick disease have all been associated with defects in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Furthermore, endocytosis is a route of entry in neurons for pathogens such as botulinum and tetanus toxins, and understanding their mode of uptake may lead to the development of novel drugs targeting endocytosis.
