Molecular biology of neurons: Art of mutations toward understanding the supercomputing system of the brain RNA + Peptide editing applied to brain and neuroplasticity

Jean-François Picimbon
Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, China

Abstract
Through the investigation of insect chemosensory proteins (CSPs), we have found that the RNA sequence of these proteins is highly mutated, with new peptide additions occurring after biosynthesis and elongation in the ribosome (“epigenetics” and “epiproteomics”). The sex pheromone gland is the primary site of expression for many of these tissue-specific mutations, which also cause minute modifications to protein structure. We have extended the idea to the wide range of protein carriers by discovering a comparable high level of pinpoint mutations in the odor binding protein (OBP) families. The idea that RNA + ribosome peptide editing can introduce new functions to a particular gene protein family—particularly in transporters of small organic lipoid molecules and receptor chaperons—follows naturally from this. In my speech, I want to discuss ideas and theories that view these mutations as new mechanisms for immune, sensory, and/or neuro-integrative cells to produce an enormous diversity of protein variants that enable cell multi-function, multi-wiring for a neuron, rather than as an indication of illness or a malfunctioning system. This might not be the only evolutionary mechanism that enables insects—as well as microorganisms—to successfully adapt to a wide range of shifting or unique environments. This could also be a requirement for a single neuronal cell to develop into a multi-complex brain or, in the right circumstances, for a totipotent cell to produce any type of body cell or tissue.

Invited by Edouard Pearlstein
Monday January 22th at 11am – Inmed conference room