Physiological significance of brain oxygen levels and their regulatory mechanisms in higher brain functions

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15208
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Nakao Akito 京都大学, 工学研究科, 助教 (30748926)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 低酸素 / イオンチャネル / 酸素センシング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Oxygen sensing within the body is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans. While the supply of oxygen to the brain is considered particularly important, the impacts of physiological hypoxia induced by brain activity have not been elucidated. Based on the unique molecular mechanism involving the TRPA1 cation channel protein, this study revealed a part of the physiological significance of fluctuations in brain oxygen levels and their regulatory mechanisms in higher brain functions.

Free Research Field

生理学、神経科学、分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、脳における穏やかな低酸素に着目しており、既存の酸素研究に新たな視点を提供する。また、比較的早いタイムスケールの酸素センシングの分子実体に迫ることにより、高頻度にみられる睡眠時無呼吸症候群や高山病などの低酸素が関与する疾患の発症・病態に関する新しい分子生物学的な知見が得られ、将来的に新たな創薬のターゲットを提示できる可能性を有する。