Molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and muscle atrophy after facial nerve injury

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18737
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: SEKIYA SHINJI 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 研究員 (50770591)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 顔面神経麻痺

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In facial nerve injury, muscle atrophy occurs rapidly if the nerve is not immediately reconstructed, whereas muscle atrophy is suppressed by immediate reconstruction. The purpose of this research project is to explore unknown signals and factors during immediate neuronal reconstruction. In this study, we created an animal model and observed the neuromuscular junction morphologically and comprehensively analyzed the genes expressed in nerves and muscles. By comparing the morphology and gene expression in the neurons and muscles of the two model animals, we were able to search for new signals and factors related to nerve regeneration and degeneration, and as a result, we were able to elucidate some of the molecular mechanisms.

Free Research Field

顔面神経麻痺

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

顔面神経麻痺は多くの患者の生活の質を左右する重篤な疾患であり多くの患者が現在も悩まされている。今回神経即時再建を行った際の分子シグナルを探ることで今後の治療法の確立に応用できることを期待したい。