Rutgers University
Division of Life Sciences
Nelson Biological Labs
604 Allison Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854

(732) 445-6999
FAX: (732) 445-5870

hsu@biology.rutgers.edu

Molecular mechanisms of vesicle trafficking underlying synaptic development and function

• Protein Biochemistry:
• Protein purification using column chromatography
• Electrophoresis and Western blotting
• Protein binding studies and assays
• Fusion protein production and purification
• Immunoprecipitation
• Molecular Biology:
• cDNA cloning
• PCR
• Subcloning
• Cell Biology:
• Monoclonal antibody production
• Neural and non-neural cell culture
• Immunofluorescence microscopy

The precise yet dynamic networking among nerve cells is the cellular basis of many if not all brain functions. Alteration or disruption in this network is likely to result in mental deficiencies and/or illnesses. To establish and maintain this neuronal network, neurons adopt a highly specialized yet flexible morphology; the formation and modulation of this specialization requires precisely targeted membrane addition to designated sites of the plasma membrane. Presently, the molecular mechanisms of this vesicle trafficking process remain largely unknown. To gain insights into this process, we are using molecular biological, biochemical, immunochemical and cell biological approaches to identify and characterize proteins and protein interactions which mediate and regulate this process. Presently, we have identified and isolated the mammalian sec6/8 complex, a set of proteins which are believed to a role in targeting vesicles to potential presynaptic sites during synapse formation and to neuronal growth cones during neuronal development. We are investigating the function of this complex in vesicle targeting and using this complex as a molecular handle to identify other protein constituents of this process. Our goal is to use a multi-disciplinary approach to define the biochemical events underlying vesicle trafficking and to study how this process is regulated by cellular signaling pathways during neuronal growth, differentiation and regeneration.

For complete list: PubMed

Kee, Y., Yoo, J. S., Hazuka, C. D., Peterson, K. E., Hsu, S. C., and Scheller, R. H. (1997)
Subunit structure of the mammalian exocyst complex
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 94:14438-43

Grindstaff, K.K., Yeaman, C., Anandasabapathy, N., Hsu, S. C., Rodriguez-Boulan, E., Scheller, R. H., and Nelson, W. J. (1998)
Sec6/8 complex is recruited to cell-cell contacts and specifies transport vesicle delivery to the basal-lateral membrane in epithelial cells.
Cell 93: 731-40.

Hsu, S.C., Hazuka, C. D., Roth, R., Foletti, D. L., Heuser, J., and Scheller, R. H. (1998)
Subunit composition, protein interactions, and structures of the mammalian brain sec6/8 complex and septin filaments.
Neuron 20:1111-22

Hazuka, C.D., Foletti, D.L., Hsu, S.-C., Kee, Y., Hopf, F.W., and Scheller, R.H. (1999)
The sec6/8 complex is located at neurite outgrowth and axonal synapse-assembly domains.
J. Neurosci. 19:1324-1334.

Hsu, S.-C., Hazuka, C.D., Foletii, D.L., and Scheller, R.H. (1999)
Targeting vesicles to specific sites on the plasma membrane: the role of the sec6/8 complex.
Trends Cell Biol. 9:150-153