“Purkinje neuron dendrite structure: regulation by the MAP kinase pathway”

Mary E. Morrison, Ph.D., Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA 17701

Granule neurons, the presynaptic afferents of Purkinje cells, are potent regulators of Purkinje cell differentiation. Purified cultures of Purkinje cells survive poorly, never developing mature dendrites, while Purkinje cell cocultured with granule neurons survive better and develop dendrites studded with actin-rich, synapse-bearing spines.

BDNF/TrkB signaling regulates Purkinje cell spine number and morphology. We will present experiments designed to elucidate the signal transduction steps that link BDNF/TrkB signaling to changes in neuronal morphology and function. Using the MAP kinase pathway inhibitor PD98059 and the PI3-kinase pathway inhibitor LY294002, we will assess the relative contributions of these pathways to the development of Purkinje cell dendrites in cultures of mixed cerebellar cells and cocultures of purified granule and Purkinje neurons.

Mary E. Morrison, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Lycoming College
700 College Place
Williamsport, PA 17701

Phone: 570-321-4184
Fax: 570-321-4216

mrrison@lycoming.edu