Aryeh Routtenberg
Professor
Departments of Psychology, and Neurobiology/Physiology in the Institute for Neuroscience
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Email: aryeh@northwestern.edu
Office Address: 313 Cresap
Office Phone: 847-491-3628
The major thrust of our research is to understand the molecular
mechanisms underlying memory formation.
Using hippocampal long-term potentiation, an electrophysiological
model of memory storage, as well as behavioral studies of learning and memory,
we have identified a signaling pathway that is central to the enhanced synaptic
communication required for information storage. As indicated in the diagram
below this focal point is the phosphorylation of GAP-43 by protein kinase C
(PKC). GAP-43 is now known to regulate axonal and synaptic growth and PKC regulates
signal transduction and transmembrane signaling.
We have obtained evidence recently which indicates that GAP-43 is rate-limiting
for memory formation. Moreover, a learning-induced axonal growth has just been
linked to GAP-43 activation. Genomic mechanisms regulating this growth are a
target for our current investigations using transgenic mice that either overexpress
or underexpress GAP-43. Thus, the evidence is mounting that this signaling pathway
is a critical determinant in cognitive processes of learning and memory.
Selected Publications:
•Routtenberg,
A.Serrano, P., Cantallops, I., Zaffuto, S. Namgung, U. (2000) Enhanced learning
by genetic overexpression of a brain growth protein. Proc Nat. Acad. Sci., 97:
7657-7662.
•Routtenberg,
A. (1999) Tagging the Hebb synapse. Trends Neurosci., 22:255-256.
•Jones,
M., Bliss, T.V.P. and Routtenberg, A. (2001) Genetic contributions to differences
in learning and synaptic plasticity in DBA and C57 inbred mouse strains. Hippocampus
11: 391-396.
•Kleschevnikov,
A. and Routtenberg, A. (2001) PKC activation rescues LTP from NMDA receptor
blockade. Hippocampus 11: 168-175.
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Last Updated: February 5, 2003