Synaptogenesis Research Group
The Synaptogenesis Research Group conducts multidisciplinary studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms that regulate the formation and organization of synapses in the central nervous system and in skeletal muscles.
Our research is carried out using purified proteins, primary and immortalized cell cultures, animals with inducible gene deletions (Cre-LoxP system), and transgenic models. We also use recombinant AAV viruses to overexpress genes of interest both in vitro and in vivo.
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The group performs advanced biochemical experiments, including purification of protein complexes, mass spectrometry–based proteomic analyses, and the reconstitution of membrane proteins into artificial lipid bilayers. Research on skeletal muscles focuses on understanding the mechanisms that govern the development of the postsynaptic machinery and the organization of motor neuron axons that innervate muscle fibers. In our brain studies, we investigate mechanisms that regulate both synapses and general neuronal and neural network function in the brain.
Our goal is to understand the mechanisms that regulate synapse organization in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We are committed to conducting innovative, interdisciplinary research at the highest level, using a wide range of molecular, cellular, and genetic techniques. A core part of our mission is to provide intensive training that supports the scientific and personal development of our team members, with the objective of shaping a new generation of world-class researchers and valuable members of society.
Our publication: Rojek et al., PLoS Biology (2019), received the 2020 Konorski Award for the best neuroscience publication in Poland in 2019. The Konorski Award is jointly presented by the Polish Neuroscience Society and the Neurobiology Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Congratulations to all authors!
Meet our team
Dr. Małgorzata Sotomska
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Dr. Alina Zawiślak-Architek
Alina is currently involved in studying the role of the AMOTL1 protein in the hippocampus and its significance for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Margareta Jabłońska
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Emeric Sarrou
Emeric investigates the role of angiomotins – particularly AMOTL1 – in the regulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. His research aims to uncover how AMOTL1-dependent mechanisms shape brain function through serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways.
Dr. Przemysław Duda
Przemysław participates in studies involving an animal model of selected symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders.
Ila Joshi
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Dr. Angelymar Moreno
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Research & findings
Our laboratory conducts innovative, multidisciplinary research aimed at understanding the organization and function of synapses in the central nervous system, as well as those between motor neurons and skeletal muscles.
We use mouse models—including conditional gene knockout mice and transgenic mice—as well as cell cultures to decipher the molecular mechanisms that regulate synapses under physiological and pathological conditions.
Our recent studies have identified Amot and Yap proteins as key regulators of dendritic tree morphology in cultured neurons and Purkinje cells in vivo. Mice with conditional knockout of Amot or Yap in neurons exhibited morphological abnormalities in the cerebellum and impaired motor coordination.
Our analyses showed that Amot- and Yap-dependent dendrite organization involves S6 kinase and phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6.
Inside the lab
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses formed between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers. These structures transmit information from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, enabling their contraction.
Proper NMJ function is essential for voluntary movements, maintaining posture, and breathing. As a result, disruptions in NMJ function lead to severe neuromuscular diseases, characterized by muscle atrophy, loss of strength, and respiratory impairment.
It is estimated that there are more than 300 neuromuscular diseases, many of which have unknown etiology. This makes understanding the mechanisms underlying the organization and function of these synapses critically important.
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This publication was honored with the Konorski Award for the best neuroscience publication in Poland in 2019. . The Konorski Award is a joint distinction granted by the Polish Society for Neuroscience (PTBUN) and the Neurobiology Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
A portion of our projects focuses on characterizing new components of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC). This protein complex plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of muscle fibers as well as in the organization and development of the postsynaptic apparatus.
At the molecular level, the DGC stabilizes synaptic components by linking them to the actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. It also functions as a central hub organizing the assembly of signaling molecules. Recently, we identified new synaptic proteins that are recruited to the DGC, and we are currently conducting more detailed studies on some of them.
Research projects
The Role of AMOTL2 in the Development of the Cerebral Cortex – AMOTL2ND
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Ila Joshi
Functions of the AMOTL1 Protein in Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Systems in the Brain – AL1SERDOPA
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Dr. hab. Tomasz Prószyński
Identification of Hippocampus-Related and Sex-Specific Changes in AMOTL1 KO Mice – AMOTL1PD
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Dr. Przemysław Duda
From research to publication
Iridophoroma associated with the Lemon Frost colour morph of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Szydłowski Paweł, Madej Jan Paweł, Duda Magdalena [et al.]
Scientific Reports, 2020, vol. 10, no. 1. DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-62828-9
A novel remitting leukodystrophy associated with a variant in FBP2
Gizak Agnieszka, Diegmann Susann, Dreha-Kulaczewski Steffi [et al.]
Brain Communications, 2021, vol. 3, no. 2. DOI:10.1093/braincomms/fcab036
O-Glycosylation as a sorting determinant for cell surface delivery in yeast
Prószyński Tomasz, Simons Kai, Bagnat Michel
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2004, vol. 15, no. 4, pp.1533-1543. DOI:10.1091/mbc.E03-07-0511