Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neuroscience
 


Paul Worley

 

 
Arc is an immediate early gene involved in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Arc mRNA is rapidly transcribed and targeted to dendrites of neurons as they engage in information processing and storage. Arc protein induction is required for both late-phase LTP and spatial learning. Despite these intriguing associations with plasticity, Arc’s function remains enigmatic. Our lab has recently found that Arc regulates AMPA receptor trafficking by interacting with the endocytic machinery. These observations provide a molecular basis for understanding Arc’s function, and suggest a model in which dendritically localized Arc protein synthesis can modulate synaptic properties.

The picture above shows Arc(red) and bassoon (green)staining in a 4 week old Hippocampal Neuron. Arc co-localizes with bassoon, which is a presynaptic marker.

© 2005 Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine