Regulation of mRNA translation by the microtubule-associated protein Tau (2019-2022)

Fundamental neuronal functions such as synaptic strengthening and memory formation are dependent on the tightly regulated process of protein translation. We discovered that the kinase Fyn (which is localized to dendritic spines where memories are formed) activates the ERK/S6 pathway leading to massive translation of the scaffolding protein Tau. More importantly, we found that the activation of this cascade is Tau-dependent. This project aims to determine how Tau activates this pathway, and to decipher the physiological role of the Tau/Fyn/Tau feedback loop. This will inform our understanding of the molecular regulation of learning and memory.