Glia-induced Remodeling of Neuronal Circuits

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H01530
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General physiology
• Research Institution: National Institute for Physiological Sciences
• Principal Investigator: JUNICHI NABEKURA 生理学研究所, 基盤神経科学研究領域, 所長 (50237583)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: ミクログリア / 神経回路 / 再編成 / アストロサイト / シナプス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Changes in functional neural circuits are the basis of brain function in development and disorders. In this study, we investigated the reorganization of the neural circuits in cerebral cortex of mice and the contribution of glial cells, using two-photon excitation microscope as the main research method. We demonstrated that resting microglia repeatedly contact onto synapses, promote synaptic transmission during their contact, leading to synchronous activity of local neural circuits in healthy brain, On the other hand, activated microglia lost their facilitatory action on synapse transmission. As for the role of astrocyte in circuits remodeling, reactivating astrocytes and controlling peripheral nerve activity in chronic pain model mice could alleviate hyperalgesia for a long period of time, caused by the removal of pain-related synapses. This result suggests that manipulation of glial cells may be a therapeutic strategy for pathological conditions.

Free Research Field

神経生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性疼痛などの慢性脳疾患の治療法として、グリア細胞をターゲットとした新規治療戦略を提示した。