Research report 2023 - Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
A molecular memory anchor
Authors
Rangaraju, Vidhya
Departments
Department of Neuroenergetics
Summary
Biological power plants called mitochondria are anchored near neuronal synapses to power their remodeling during memory formation. However, how mitochondria are locally stabilized was a mystery. We have recently discovered that the ALS - amyotrophic lateralsclerosis - linked protein VAP is a molecular anchor that tethers mitochondria near synapses to support memory formation. This finding opens new directions for research into cognitive and motor impairments in ALS.