Eli-Eelika Esvald

Formation of new synapses, and alteration of the strength and stability of existing synapses are regarded as the main cellular basis for memory and long-term behavioral adaptations. Neuronal activity-regulated gene expression plays a crucial role in synaptic development and function, and its deregulation gives rise to various nervous system disorders. Knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms of activity-dependent gene expression is important both for understanding of nervous system function and for finding new drug targets. The aim of this project is to study the molecular mechanisms of neuronal activity-regulated gene expression, including transcription, translation and posttranslational modifications, in the nervous system health and disease. The studies are focused on two genes, the neurotrophin BDNF and the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TCF4.