Mechanisms of memory function involving site-specific tau phosphorylation

This project aims to understand the molecular principles that facilitate encoding, maintenance and retrieval of
memories in the brain. To store memories in brain circuits, electrical and chemical signals are crucial. Brain cells
can integrate signals into biochemical modifications of intracellular proteins. The nature of the protein
modifications that represent memory within brain cells is unknown. This project uses innovative genome editing,
mathematical modelling and proteomic approaches, to study how biochemical modifications of a key protein called
tau help encode and retrieve memories. These molecular insights will make a significant advance in the current
understanding of a brain function that is essential to all human activities.