Investigation of the molecular basis for social experience-depencent neural development in prefrotal cortex

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K19742
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Psychiatric science
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: KIMOTO SOHEI 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (00405391)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 社会経験 / 前頭前野 / 神経活動依存性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Social experience during early childhood has been suggested to play crucial roles in brain development and neuronal activity, especially for mental function. To clarify the molecuar basis underlying social experience-dependent neural plasticity, we compared gene expression in medial prefronal cortex between isolate-housing mouse (be housed in isolation from postnatal 21 day to 35 day) and group-housing mouse. We found that the expression of activity-regulated genes that are critical regulators for excitatory and inhibitory balance, and inflammatory-related genes were temporally altered in isolate-housing mouse compared to group-housing mouse. The present data suggest that these molecular changes might contribute to prefrontal dysfunction triggered by social isolation.

Free Research Field

分子精神医学