Molecular interactions are required for the function of all proteins including memory proteins. The cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) family are associated with long-term memory formation, however limited knowledge exist on these. Self-assembly into highly organized structures of CPEB, similar to amyloid proteins, is linked to formation of memory. Memory formation is thought to be regulated by unknown interaction partners, such as RNA, metal ions or chaperones. Native and hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry will be used to elucidate the structure and interaction partners of memory-related protein assemblies. This proposal combines a set of cutting-edge tools in the field of mass spectrometry at Karolinska Institutet. The proposed project capitalizes on the unique research environment to investigate memory formation, with the potential to provide a broader understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases.
