Both are large proteins of 420 and 350 kDa respectively and are restricted to the active zones of asymmetric type 1 synapses. We have nearly completed the cloning of cDNAs encoding these proteins, have begun to make gene knockouts in mice and are using a neuronal cell culture system to difine regions in both that anchor them to the synaptic junction. In addition we are working on three members of a second family of synaptic proteins called SAP90, SAP97 and SAP102. Recent studies have shown that these proteins bind the cytoplasmic tails of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. This interaction results in the clustering and localization of these integral membrane proteins in synaptic junctions.
Future studies are focused to examine the mechanisms that recruit SAPs to synaptic junctions.
Craig C. Garner received his B.A. in biochemistry from Rutgers University. He subsequently received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University in 1984, where he was the recipient of the A.K. Balls award for distinguished research in 1983. His postdoctoral training was completed with Dr. Andrew Matus at the Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel Switzerland and is the co-recipient of the Gian Tondury Prize for distinguished research. He is presently Associate Professor of Neurobiology.