Exploring the new functions of the clustered protocadherins in nerve terminals

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K08437
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General anatomy (including histology/embryology)
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: MEGURO Reiko 新潟大学, 医歯学系, 教授 (30251804)
• Research Collaborator: TAKEBAYASHI Hirohide ; SHIBUKI Katsuei
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 髄鞘化 / ミクログリア

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Neurons in the central nervous system show specific expression of the clustered protocadherins, one of the cell adhesion molecule groups. Their roles in developing neural circuits, however, are not well-understood. We have revealed that the alpha subgroup of the clustered protocadherins is involved in the myelination by using congenital myelin impaired mice. Furthermore, we have found that microglia, which are classically known to do phagocytosis, are also involved in the myelination. Their surveillance roles in the myelination are newly presented.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生後の重要な神経回路の成熟過程である神経の髄鞘化、これに不具合があると、精神遅滞などが生じるが、そのメカニズムについては不明な点が多かった。今回、これまで単なる異物の貪食担当とみなされていたミクログリアが、この髄鞘化過程の監視役をしている可能性が示唆された。今後、髄鞘化のみならず精神機能の監視役としてのミクログリアの新たな役割が解明されることが期待され、ミクログリアの機能異常による病態も解明されうる。