Oliver Stork

Head of the Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Our team studies memory mechanisms at multiple levels of nervous system function. We established behavioral paradigms to study different phases of memory formation and memory management, and employ high resolution gene expression analysis to identify intracellular signaling pathways and gene products activated in these particular memory stages. Using genetic models and viral gene transfer we test the relevance of so identified molecular factors and underlying morphological and physiological changes in vivo. Thereby we could demonstrate the critical importance of different populations of GABAergic interneurons in amygdala and hippocampus for specific aspects of classical fear conditioning, such memory generalization, extinction and cue/context balance. To complement this systems level approach, we investigate the cellular functions mediated by the identified gene products and involved intracellular signaling networks in cell culture systems. We identified the serine/threonine kinase Ndr2 as an inducible modulator of the actin cytoskeleton and determined memory consolidation phases sensitive to actin filament arrest. We have been able to dissect the mechanisms of Ndr2 action in the integrin-dependent differentiation of hippocampal neurons and are currently studying its role in synaptic plasticity and learning.

Keywords: memory consolidation – GABAergic interneurons – intracellular signaling – pharmacogenetics – mutant mouse

Location: OVGU

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