Mechanisms of Slitrk5 signaling

We have identified Slitrk5 as a novel co-receptor for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor, TrkB that regulates ligand-dependent TrkB receptor endocytic trafficking, as well as altering repetitive behaviors. Slitrk5 is a cell surface type I membrane neuronal specific protein, which has been previously shown by our laboratory to alter corticostriatal function but without a specific mechanism. Our studies on Slitrk5 have linked the in vitro studies of synaptogenic and neurotrophic function with higher order in vivo circuit level biological functions in genetically altered mice.