Ruth Herbst

Abstract:

Synapses are essential relay stations that confer information between cells. Synapses form between neurons or as in the case of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) between a motoneuron and a muscle fiber. The NMJ regulates every movement within our bodies including breathing and therefore is critical for survival.

Our research focuses on the complex molecular intra- and intercellular interactions initiating NMJ formation, maintenance and function. We aim at identifying the signaling events and protein interactions responsible for NMJ development. Our long-term goal is to understand the temporal and spatial mechanisms that lead to the formation of a mature and functional NMJs.

Techniques:

We use a broad range of molecular, biochemical and cell biology methods. To decipher molecular mechanisms, we employ conventional cell culture, primary cells and animal models. Our multi-disciplinary approach also includes proteomics, advanced imaging and virus-mediated expression in vitro and in vivo.

Selected Publications:

1. Sandner L, Alteneder M, Rica R, Woller B, Sala E, Frey T, Tosevska A, Zhu C, Madern M, Khan M, Hoffmann P, Schebesta A, Taniuchi I, Bonelli M, Schmetterer K, Iannacone M, Kuka M, Ellmeier W, Sakaguchi S, Herbst R*, and Boucheron N*. (2023), The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rin-like controls Tfh cell differentiation via CD28 signaling" J Exp Med 2023 Nov 6;220(11):e20221466. Doi: 10.1084/jem.20221466
    
2. Camurdanoglu BZ, Hrovat C, Dürnberger G, Madalinski M, Mechtler K, Herbst R. (2016), MuSK Kinase Activity is Modulated By A Serine Phosphorylation Site in The Kinase Loop. Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 26;6:33583. Doi: 10.1038/srep33583
    
3. Dürnberger G, Camurdanoglu BZ, Tomschik M, Schutzbier M, Roitinger E, Hudecz O, Mechtler K, Herbst R. (2014), Global Analysis of Muscle-specific Kinase Signaling by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics. Mol Cell Proteomics. 13(8):1993-2003. Doi:10.1074/mcp.M113.036087
    
4. Woller B., Luiskandl S., Popovic M., Prieler B.E., Ikonge G., Mutzl M., Rehmann H., Herbst R. (2011), Rin-like, a novel regulator of endocytosis, acts as guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab5a and Rab22. Biochim Biophys Acta.-Mol. Cell. Res. 1813, 1198-1219. Doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2011.03.005
    
5. Ruggio, M., Herbst, R., Kim, N., Jevskec, M., Fak, J.J., Mann, M.A., Fischbach, G., Burden, S.J. and Darnell, RB. (2009), Rescuing Z+ agrin splicing in Nova null mice restores neuromuscular synapse formation and unmasks a physiologic defect in motor neuron firing. PNAS 106 (9), 3513-8. Doi: 10.1073/pnas.0813112106