Dr Paul G. Donlin-Asp
- Postdoc · Max Planck Institute for Brain Research
- PhD · BCDB, Emory University
- BS · MCB, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Research
The synapse decides
Long-lasting changes in synaptic strength, and learning itself, need new proteins. To understand learning at the molecular level, we need to understand where those proteins are made and how that synthesis is controlled.
Around 5,000 mRNAs are transported to distal sites in neurons, where they fuel local protein synthesis, including at synapses. But synapses are small and individual mRNAs are sparse. So how does a neuron achieve that diversity under such tight spatial limits?
Synapses associate with individual mRNAs only transiently. Neurons actively traffic mRNAs along dendrites and axons, so a single molecule can serve many synapses. Activity-dependent capture lets selected proteins be made on demand, exactly where they are needed. We want to know how synapses capture mRNAs, and how they then decide which ones to translate.
We're interested in the How? When? Why?
- Q1
HOW do mRNAs reach specific subcellular compartments?
- Q2
WHEN do synapses recruit and decide which mRNAs to translate?
- Q3
HOW do complex neuronal circuits use synaptic mRNA capture in vivo?
- Q4
WHY should we decipher how synapses locally translate specific proteins?
Funded by Wellcome · Career Development Award
Deciphering neuronal RBP regulation of mRNA transport and translation in synaptic plasticity
Publications
Output
People
Who we are
Dr Rhys Livingstone
- PhD · Neuroscience, University of Otago
- BS · Neuroscience, University of Otago
Dr Felipe Del Valle Batalla
- PhD · CMB, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- BS · Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Dr Han Tan
- PhD · Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh
- BS · Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh
Oni Glyn-Wright
- MSc · Molecular Neuroscience, University of Bristol
- BSc · Biomedical Science, University of Bristol
Lilly Green
- BS · Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh
- Previously lab technician
Jamey Brewster
- Co-supervised with Prof. Cathy Abbott
Aleisha Chalmers
- MSc · Neuroscience, University of Oxford
- BS · Neuroscience & Zoology, University of Otago
Bring your own fellowship
Our postdoc positions are currently full. If you are applying for your own fellowship and want to work on local translation, get in touch to talk through a project.
Feline members
The ones who actually matter
Dolly Donlin-Asp
Benny Donlin-Asp
Avery Donlin-Asp
George Donlin-Asp
Chiqui Del Valle Batalla
Chopin Del Valle Batalla
Snowy Green
Blanche Glyn-Wright
Leroy Glyn-Wright
Values
How we work
We train the next generation of independent scientists, and we build a lab where people from every background can do their best work.
Mentoring
Teaching and mentoring trainees on their way to independence is central to what the lab is for.
Inclusion
We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for groups historically under-represented in STEM. Science is better when it draws on the widest pool of talent.
Zero tolerance
Discrimination and bullying have no place here. That applies to every member of the lab.
Off the bench
Other adventures
Rare Scottish sunshine, imaged live before it could photobleach.
Oni and the PI team up to build a fort out of moving boxes. Not shown: the postdocs, dismayed at their disrupted organisational system.
Moving boxes, a PhD student high.
Lab-mandated sun wellness retreat at the RNA Localization and Local Translation conference in Porto.
A massive amount of media production is a lab effort.
End-of-year lab bonding over pizza.
Paul presenting at the RNA Localization and Local Translation meeting.
Contact
Find us
Where
Queen's Medical Research Institute
Edinburgh BioQuarter
University of Edinburgh
Affiliations
Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain
Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research