Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Biochemistry

Supervisor

Dr. Susan Meakin

Abstract

Learning and memory are complex processes: many signaling pathways must come together to start the process of long-term potentiation (LTP), an improvement in the connection between two neurons as a result of a previous signal. LTP involves both the TrkB and NMDA receptor signaling cascades, and there is evidence to support cross-talk between TrkB and the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B using adaptor proteins. ShcC is thought to be involved in learning and memory as ShcC knockout mice have increased hippocampal LTP and better performance in Spatial Memory tasks (Miyamoto et al., 2005). Our results indicate that ShcC binds to both Fyn and Src, likely through CH2 and SH2 domain interactions, and is facilitated by phosphorylation of three tyrosines in the internal CH1 domain.

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