In vivo characterisation of a newly engineered D-serine biosensor with a micro-optrode

The brain’s 100 billion neurons communicate through the release of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators across small junctions (synapses). The last two decades have seen remarkable advances in understanding the role of such molecules in the nervous system. Amino acids such as D-serine, are now recognized as a vital neuromodulators for synaptic plasticity but also for their involvement in many pathologies. Accordingly, D-serine signalling supports long term changes in synaptic plasticity and cognitive performances while signalling aberrations have been consistently associated with several pathological
conditions including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Despite these observations, we still lack a thorough understanding of how brain activity influence variations in D-serine and the mechanisms by which this amino acid impacts brain synpases. This project will validate the use of a new genetically encoded light sensitive biosensor able to detect D-Serine in the intact rodent brain. It will improve our understanding of the D-Serine mechanisms and lead to new strategies to develop therapeutics for brain diseases.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yves De Koninck;Marie-Eve Paquet

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris-Saclay

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université Laval

Program: