LGI1 antibody induced pathophysiology in presynaptic nerve terminals
Limbic encephalitis with autoantibodies against the protein “leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1” (LGI1) is the second most common subtype of autoimmune encephalitis. Patients rapidly develop mood changes, epileptic seizures, and a dramatic inability to form new memories. The function of LGI1 is poorly understood but LGI1 seems to build a trans-synaptic complex with other proteins. In this project, we first aim to resolve the structure and the function of the LGI1 protein complex at the synapse and will then establish the pathogenic role of LGI1 antibodies. To reach this goal we will combine electron microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, and electrophysiology. These results will reveal etiologic roles of an apparently important but poorly understood protein complex at synapses.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Hallermann
Prof. Dr. Markus Sauer