Foundation of Synapse and Neurocircuit Pathology

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Generation of synapse-neurocircuit pathology
• Project/Area Number: 22110001
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: OKAZAWA Hitoshi 東京医科歯科大学, 難治疾患研究所, 教授 (50261996)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): NUKINA Nobuyuki 理化学研究所, 脳科学研究センター, グループリーダー (10134595) ; IWATSUBO Takeshi 東京大学, 医学系研究科, 教授 (50223409)
• Project Period (FY): 2010-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 神経変性疾患 / 発達障害 / シナプス / サーキット / 分子病態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We revealed the molecular processes from gene mutations to synapse and neurocircuit pathologies via multiple cellular dysfunctions in various developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, and also clarified the causes of dysfunctions in specific neuronal circuits. Next, by comparison of the results from multiple diseases, we figured out the commonality and specificity of molecular pathologies among different types of brain diseases. Moreover, we revealed the process of regeneration from pathological state by using molecular imaging techniques and iPS cell technologies. In conclusion, we successfully elucidated the molecular pathologies that link gene, RNA, protein and synapse and neurocircuit pathologies in this group research project. As we had aimed at the beginning of this project, we could establish a new scientific field focusing on “Synapse and Neurocircuit Pathology” in Japan.

Free Research Field

神経科学