Molecular mechanisms regulating the localization of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07046
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 47030:Pharmaceutical hygiene and biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Taru Hidenori 北海道大学, 薬学研究院, 准教授 (30533731)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: シナプス / カルシウムチャネル / 線虫 / 順遺伝学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The nervous system processes information through communication between neurons at synapses. The precise localization of the voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2 as a trigger molecule at presynaptic sites is essential for synaptic transmission. In this study, using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism, we explored molecules involved in the localization of Cav2 through genetic analysis. We newly revealed that the functions of enzymes involved in neuropeptide maturation and glycosylation regulation are important for Cav2 localization at presynaptic sites.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

神経シナプスへのCav2局在の分子機構は、その重要性にも関わらず不明な点が多い。本研究は遺伝学的な探索を基に、これまで予見されていなかったCav2局在に関わる分子・分子経路を新たに明らかにした点で、学術的に意義深い。Cav2やその局在制御分子の異常は、自閉症など様々な精神・神経疾患に深く関与しており、本研究の成果は、疾患の分子基盤解明と治療法開発につながるという観点から社会的な意義もある。