Clarification of protective functions of Huntingtin-associated protein 1 against autonomic and motoneuron degeneration using genetically-engineered mice

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16108
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 48010:Anatomy-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Islam Md Nabiul 山口大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 講師 (80759671)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Stigmoid body / HAP1 / Neuroprotection / Neurodegeneration

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Stigmoid body (STB)/Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) can bind with the causal agents of several neurodegenerative diseases and suppresses apoptosis and cell death in vitro. STB/HAP1 has been considered a protective factor against neurodegeneration. To uncover a new diagnostic or therapeutic application for autonomic or motor neuron disorders using wild-type and genetically modified mice, in the current research project, I examined the expression, neuroanatomical distribution, and immunohistochemical characterization of STB/HAP1 in the brainstem, sensory ganglia, and enteric ganglion. The results of the current project clarified that STB/HAP1 is highly expressed in the sensory and autonomic neurons in the brainstem, spinal cord, and enteric nervous system but not in motor neurons. These clarify that due to deficient putative STB/HAP1-protection, the motor neurons are more vulnerable to stresses.

Free Research Field

Neuroanatomy (Neuroscience)

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Our current results will lay a basic foundation for future studies that seek to clarify the pathophysiological roles of STB/HAP1 in the motor neuron or autonomic neuron degeneration and may shed light on yet-to-be-uncovered new diagnostic/therapeutic applications of autonomic/ motor neuron diseases.