Synaptic Vesicle Biogenesis – Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Down Syndrome

2010
Liang-Wei Gong, Ph.D.

The Regulation of Dynamin and Actin Polymerization in Endocytic Vesicle Biogenesis
2010 Seed Grant
Liang-Wei Gong, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago

The results of this work will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of vesicle fission during CME. I expect that my research will significantly contribute to our knowledge of brain function, as synaptic vesicle recycling is a fundamental event mediating higher functions of the brain such as learning and memory. This work will also make general contributions to cell biology, as CME is the main form of endocytosis in many types of cells. The results from this proposal will likely have broad implications for human health, as impaired vesicle recycling is also linked to many human diseases such as Type II Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome.

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