The spatial and structural changes of organelles and the molecular basis underlying long-term memory consolidation

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06852
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46010:Neuroscience-general-related
• Research Institution: Toho University (2022); Nagoya University (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: AGETA-ISHIHARA Natsumi (石原奈津実) 東邦大学, 理学部, 准教授 (60547561)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 記憶

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The basis of learning and memory is long-term potentiation (LTP), which involves a long-lasting increase in transmission efficiency at the adhesion sites between neurons, and structural changes in dendritic spine. The structural changes are induced by the polymerisation of the actin cytoskeleton, but many aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying the persistence of volume changes and electrical responses for several hours are still unclear. In this study, we have successfully presented a new concept that the movement of organelles in response to stimulation affects the maintenance of long-term memory.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

我が国は超高齢社会を迎えており、認知症初期の時点での治療は最重要課題の一つである。臨床において、アルツハイマー病治療薬(コリンエステラーゼ阻害薬)の有効性を検討した研究があるが、根本的な治療薬は確立していない。今後は、本研究成果を認知症の治療戦略に繋ぐことを目指して、得られた基礎データに基づく、創薬や治療法の基盤となる技術開発に取り組むことを目指す。高齢化社会が進む中で基礎研究を健康寿命の延命に繋げる。