Claudia Steinem
Post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) are essential for the development and function of neurons, and play a pivotal role in synapse formation and synaptic transmission. Our focus is on PTMs by three functionally essential Ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls) in brain, SUMO2, NEDD8, and Ufm1. We are conducting a systematic analysis of the logic and syntax of the corresponding Ubl-modifications in neurons, identifying novel targets and studying the role of their modification in the context of neuronal development and synapse function.