Tibor Harkany

Molecular Neurobiology

Abstract:

The nervous system consists of a kaleidoscope of molecularly distinct neurons and glial cells whose local, as well as long-distance communication underpin specific behaviors. We are interested in elucidating key developmental mechanisms that control the molecular diversification of neurons, and their activity-dependent integration in emergent neuronal networks. We are particularly interested in the study of how bioactive lipid signals orchestrate histogenesis via cell type-sepcific receptor systems. Moreover, we are studying the role of neuron-specific calcium-binding (sensor) proteins in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Our work is expected to increase knowledge on the molecular pathobiology of prenatal cannabis exposure, epilepsy and diabetes.

Techniques:

Our repertoire of techniques include molecular biology, mouse genetics, neuroanatomy, protein biochemistry, electrophysiology and advanced imaging. Our laboratory has taken delivery of a number of state-of-the-art technical paltforms as first in Austria, including automated, laser-assisted Western blotting systems (GE) and a light-sheet microscope (Zeiss). We also employ tissue clearing protocols to appropriately resolve the morphological heterogeneity of neurons.

Selected Publications:

1. Tortoriello G, Morris CV, Alpar A, Fuzik J, Shirran SL, Calvigioni D, Keimpema E, Botting CH, Reinecke K, Herdegen T, Courtney M, Hurd YL, Harkany T (2014) Miswiring the brain: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts cortical development by inducing an SCG10/stathmin-2 degradation pathway Embo Journ, : published online 27.01.2014
2. Zhang M, Tortoriello G, Hsueh B, Tomer R, Ye L, Mitsios N, Borgius L, Grant G, Kiehn O, Watanabe M, Uhlen M, Mulder J, Deisseroth K, Harkany T, Hökfelt T (2014) Neuronal calcium-binding proteins 1/2 localize to dorsal root ganglia and excitatory spinal neurons and are regulated by nerve injury PNAS, 111 (12): E1149-E1158
3. Malenczyk K, Jazurek M, Keimpema E, Silvestri C, Janikiewicz J, Mackie K, Di Marzo V, Redowicz MJ, Harkany T, Dobrzyn A (2013) CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Couple to Focal Adhesion Kinase to Control Insulin Release J Biol Chem, 288: 32685-32699
4. Keimpema E, Tortoriello G, Alpar A, Capsoni S, Arisi I, Calvigioni D, Hu S, Cattaneo A, Doherty P, Mackie K, Harkany T (2013) Nerve growth factor scales endocannabinoid signaling by regulating monoacylglycerol lipase turnover in developing cholinergic neurons PNAS, 110: 1935-1940