Regulation of Adaptive Synaptic Plasticity by Neurotrypsin, a Neuronal Serine Protease of the Presynaptic Membrane

Neurotrypsin is a component of the presynaptic membrane and active zone and acts as an important regulator of adaptive synaptic processes.

The most prominent expression of Neurotrypsin is found in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala, i.e., structures engaged in the processing and storage of learned behaviors and memories.

In humans Neurotrypsin deficiency results in a severe mental retardation, indicating a role of Neurotrypsin in adaptive synaptic processes required for cognitive function.

We investigate Neurotrypsin using a broad range of experimental approaches ranging from enzymological and protein chemical studies to in vitro studies on cultured neurons and to the elucidation of its in vivo function in transgenic and knock-out mice.