PhD defence: Meet me at the ER: Exploring inter-organelle communication in neurons

Our nervous system uses brain cells called neurons to send information throughout our bodies- simply for us to perform tasks such as walking or talking. The main function of a neuron is to receive and transmit information in both chemical and electrical forms. To achieve this, they have specialized polarity with morphologically and functionally distinct domains: the somatodendritic and axonal regions.

When we further focus within our cells, we come across specialized subunits with specific functions called organelles. Organelles can form contact with each other that is essential for various cellular functions.

Here, we investigated these organelle interactions in neurons and identified the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a key player in organelle tethering. We employed novel tools to study organelle contacts and their dynamics in distinct neuronal compartments. We showed these complex interactions take place in different neuronal domains and might facilitate local functions.

This thesis provides new insights into complex organelle interactions in neurons and their roles in neuronal development. This thesis might bring a better understanding in the etiology of neurological diseases, in which many organelles are disorganized.