YFP neuron with highlighted synapses
This image of a Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) labeled neuron with immunostained synapses was acquired using the Zeiss LSM 710 in the core facility. The hippocampal neurons were derived and cultured from mice selectively expressing endogenous YFP, which is used to outline the neuronal processes and spines. In the inset, the neuron was labeled with synapsin1 (yellow) and PSD-95 (green). Synapsin1 is a protein on synaptic vesicles and is used as a marker of presynaptic termini. PSD (post-synaptic density)-95 is a scaffolding protein in the postsynapse and is responsible for anchoring neurotransmitter receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. PSD-95 is localized in the majority of spines, the specialized protrusions on dendrites. Together, dendritic spines and presynaptic termini marked by synapsin1 form excitatory synapses, which are the locations for communication between neurons and potentially the substrate for memory formation. My project is to investigate neuronal protein and mRNA localization in dendrites or spines in response to neuronal stimulations. The experiment will elucidate if spines are specialized regions for gene expression during periods of stimulation.
