Paul Donlin-Asp

Deciphering the molecular logic regulating RNA capture and local protein synthesis at the synapse.

Dr Paul Donlin-Asp

SIDB ESAT Fellow 

PDA

Hugh Robson Building

15 George Square

Edinburgh EH8 9XD

Contact details

Work Tel number:  +44(0) 131 650 4132

Email: pdonlin@ed.ac.uk 

Lab website: https://www.donlin-asp-lab.com/ 

Personal profile

December 2022-present: Reviewing editor, eLife

November 2023-present: ESAT Fellow

March 2017-December 2022: Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research

August 2011-January 2017: Emory University, PhD Biochemistry, Cellular and Developmental Biology

August 2009-May 2011: CRTA Postbac Fellow, National Cancer Institute (NCI)

August 2005-May 2009: UIUC, B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology

Research Theme(s):

Research:

For long-lasting changes in synaptic strength, new proteins must be synthesised. These proteins are believed to support the structural and functional modifications required for both the manifestation and maintenance of synaptic plasticity- and learning itself. To truly understand learning at a molecular level- we need to understand the function and regulation of its underlying protein synthesis.

Around 5000 mRNAs can be transported to distal sites, axons and dendrites, within neurons. These mRNAs can be used to fuel localised protein synthesis at distal sites- including the synapse. Synapses however, are small, and individual mRNAs are both sparse and physically large macromolecules. We’re interested in understanding how neurons can have such diversity in what they can make and in relation to the spatial constraints of the synapse.

Part of this logistical conundrum is overcome by synapses only transiently associating with individual mRNAs at any given moment, with neurons utilising active trafficking of mRNAs in dendrites and axons to allow individual mRNA molecules to be utilised by several synapses. Activity dependent capture of mRNAs allows selective proteins to be made, on demand, at the sites where these proteins are needed. However, the mechanisms underlying the capture and synthesis of mRNA into protein remains poorly understood. Our work aims to understand how synapses capture mRNAs and the subsequently decide which mRNAs to make into proteins.

main interests of the lab:

  1. What is the molecular logic underlying the synaptic capture of mRNAs and subsequent decision to translate them?
  2. What is the actual function of locally synthesized proteins at the synapse?
  3. How do complex neuronal circuits use synaptic capture of mRNA?
PDA

Funding

Team members

  • Dr. Rhys Livingstone, PhD (postdoc)
  • Freya Nye (technician)

Collaborations

Relevant publications

Differential regulation of local mRNA dynamics and translation following long-term potentiation and depression, PNAS 2021

Local protein synthesis is a ubiquitous feature of neuronal pre- and postsynaptic compartments, Science 2019

The survival of motor neuron protein acts as a molecular chaperone for mRNP assembly, Cell Reports 2017

For full publication list please Click Here (Google Scholar)

Information for students:

Willingness to discuss research projects with undergraduate and postgraduate students: YES -please click here

 

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