Exocytosis and Neuromodulation mechanism of GnRH3 peptide in the brain

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06762
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44050:Animal physiological chemistry, physiology and behavioral biology-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Abe Hideki 名古屋大学, 生命農学研究科, 准教授 (90396804)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 神経修飾ペプチド / 興奮分泌連関 / TTXアナログ / 有毒フグの毒化・繁殖行動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We studied peptide release dynamics from single peptidergic neurons in vitro/ex vivo using transgenic medaka expressing a fluorescent exocytotic indicator protein in GnRH3 neurons. Results suggest that their intrinsic spontaneous firing activity has minimal impact on neuron release, requiring continuous excitation. Additionally, we developed an experimental behavioral system to analyze how the GnRH3 peptide modifies higher visual information processing mechanisms. In addition, during the exploration of the modulation mechanism of olfactory information processing by GnRH peptide, we found that toxic pufferfish are attracted to a non-toxic TTX analog, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX (TDT), suggesting potential toxification via the food chain and possible use as a pheromone.

Free Research Field

神経生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は神経ペプチドを産生するペプチドニューロンの興奮分泌連関の時空間動態解明に寄与するものであり、他のペプチドニューロンにおける機構解明にも寄与する。また本研究過程から派生した有毒フグが体内にTTXと共に蓄積するTTXアナログを匂いとして検知するという研究成果は、これまで機能未知であったTTXアナログの役割解明に役立つのみならず、有毒フグの毒化機構や繁殖行動の制御機構解明にも広く役立つものであり、学術的にもフグ類の水産増殖における毒化防止を考える上でも意義深い成果であると考えている。