Speaker: Elizabeth McNeill, assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University

Title: "The Role of miRNAs in Glia During Synaptogenesis"

Abstract: Micro(mi)RNA-based post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have been broadly implicated in the assembly and modulation of synaptic connections required to shape neural circuits; however, relatively few specific miRNAs that control synapse formation have been identified. Using a conditional transgenic toolkit for competitive inhibition of miRNA function in Drosophila, we performed an unbiased screen for novel regulators of synapse morphogenesis at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Out of a set of ten new validated regulators of NMJ growth, we discovered that 7 miRNAs function in glial cells. This is the first evidence of multiple glial miRNAs playing a significant role in modulation of synaptic growth. Further characterization of human conserved miR-92 function at the synapse indicates a role in synaptic growth and maturation. A search for conserved downstream targets for miR-92 identified a vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) VHA-55. Manipulation of miR-92 function in glial cells supports a model where glial miR-92 inhibits VHA-55 to regulate synaptic maturation and synaptic growth. 

Host: Jeff Essner, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology professor

McNeill Lab: https://emcneillbolstad.wixsite.com/mcneilllab

Oct. 15, 2021, GDCB Seminar flyer (Elizabeth McNeill)