“Decoding Synaptic Dysfunction: a-Synuclein’s Role in Membrane Trafficking and Neurodegeneration.”
BBT Faculty Candidate Research Seminar
Cristina Roman-Vendrell
Postdoctoral Fellow, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole
Monday, March 3, 11:00am
Gateway, 1002
Pizza will be served!
“Efficient membrane trafficking is critical for neuronal communication, and its disruption is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. My research leverages the lamprey giant synapse model to investigate how α-synuclein, a key protein implicated in Parkinson’s, affects this process. While different forms of α-synuclein variably impact membrane recycling, a shared outcome is the accumulation of endosomes—a phenomenon that can disrupt axonal transport and synaptic signaling, ultimately contributing to synaptic dysfunction. I will present how my research integrates advanced microscopy techniques, including electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, to uncover the mechanisms underlying these disruptions, providing insights that may inform future therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.”