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Department
  • Genetics
  • Research Focus

    Keywords

  • Axon Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Drosophila
  • Animal Models
  • Alzheimer's Mouse Model
  • Microglia
  • Mitochondria
  • Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
  • Clinical Conditions

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Hereditary spastic paraplegia
  • Equipment & Techniques

  • Calcium imaging
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Confocal microscopy
  • Behavioural analysis
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    Dr Juan José Pérez Moreno

    University Position
    Visiting Scientist

    Interests

    In neurons, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not only found in the cell body, but also extends into dendrites and axonal presynaptic terminals. Axonal ER comprises a tubular network of mainly smooth ER, whose function is still poorly understood. In humans, mutations of several axonal ER-shaping proteins result in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a motor axon degeneration disease. Using Drosophila as model system, we try to understand the functional consequences of disrupting the axonal ER presence or continuity.

    Microscopy image showing the posterior part of the axon and the muscle innervation (presynaptic terminals) by a single motor neuron. Source: Perez-Moreno and O’Kane. G3, 9(2):453 (2019) (https://www.g3journal.org/content/9/2/453). Funded by Marie-Sklodowska-Curie award 745007 from the European Commission Horizon 2020 program to Dr JJ Perez Moreno.

    Collaborators

    Key Publications

    Axonal Endoplasmic Reticulum Dynamics and Its Roles in Neurodegeneration.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00048
    Journal: Front Neurosci
    E-pub date: 1 Aug 2020
    Authors: Z Öztürk, CJ O'Kane, JJ Pérez-Moreno

    Drosophila SPG12 ortholog, reticulon-like 1, governs presynaptic ER organization and Ca2+ dynamics

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202112101
    Journal: Journal of Cell Biology
    Year: 2023
    Authors: JJ Pérez-Moreno, RC Smith, MK Oliva, F Gallo, S Ojha, KH Müller, CJ O’Kane

    Presynaptic endoplasmic reticulum architecture and hereditary spastic paraplegia

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.380885
    Journal: Neural Regeneration Research
    Year: 2024
    Authors: JJ Pérez-Moreno

    Publications

    Endoplasmic Reticulum Lumenal Indicators in Drosophila Reveal Effects of HSP-Related Mutations on Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Dynamics.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00816
    Journal: Front Neurosci
    E-pub date: 1 Aug 2020
    Authors: MK Oliva, JJ Pérez-Moreno, J O'Shaughnessy, TJ Wardill, CJ O'Kane

    GAL4 Drivers Specific for Type Ib and Type Is Motor Neurons in Drosophila.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1534/g3.118.200809
    Journal: G3 (Bethesda)
    E-pub date: 7 Feb 2019
    Authors: JJ Pérez-Moreno, CJ O'Kane

    Kon-tiki enhances PS2 integrin adhesion and localizes its ligand, Thrombospondin, in the myotendinous junction.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.197459
    Journal: J Cell Sci
    E-pub date: 1 Mar 2017
    Authors: JJ Pérez-Moreno, AG Espina-Zambrano, CB García-Calderón, B Estrada

    The conserved transmembrane proteoglycan Perdido/Kon-tiki is essential for myofibrillogenesis and sarcomeric structure in Drosophila.

    DOI: http://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.150425
    Journal: J Cell Sci
    E-pub date: 15 Jul 2014
    Authors: JJ Pérez-Moreno, M Bischoff, MD Martín-Bermudo, B Estrada