Glycine receptor autoantibodies and spinal disinhibition

Glycine receptor (GlyR) autoantibodies are associated with stiff-person syndrome and the life-threatening progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) in children and adults. Patient GlyR autoantibodies binds to various GlyRa subunits, lead to receptor internalization and alter GlyR function in transfected cells and primary neurons. This project investigates short- and long-term effects of GlyR autoantibodies on synaptic function. Furthermore, pre- and postsynaptic targeting of GlyR autoantibodies at the molecular level will be studied as well as compensation and adaptation mechanisms at central synapses. With these data we expect to clarify if and how functional synaptic disruption underlies the GlyR autoantibody pathology. Based on these findings we aim to identify novel strategies for potential therapeutic intervention in GlyR autoantibody-associated diseases.

Prof. Dr. Carmen Villmann    

Phone:   +49 931 20 14 40 35                        
Email:

Prof. Dr. Claudia Sommer

Phone:   +49 931 201 23763                        
Email: