The effects of neuroglycan C on neuronal network formation

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23591524
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pediatrics
• Research Institution: Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center
• Principal Investigator: TOKITA Yoshihito 愛知県心身障害者コロニー発達障害研究所, 周生期学部, 主任研究員 (50291175)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: プロテオグリカン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Neuroglycan C is a brain specific chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, which locates at dendritic spines. In this study, we revealed that Neuroglycan C interacts with some of molecules of FGF, fibroblast growth factor family. We observed that the expression levels of both Neuroglycan C and its binding partner, FGFs are enhanced by drug in the some of nucleus in the brain including the nucleus accumbens, which is known to be closely related to methamphetamine addiction. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that some of FGFs has significant effects on presynaptic formation of both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Moreover, Neuroglycan C can form molecular complex with the FGF, we thus speculate that up-regulated FGFs could be accumulated at spines with Neuroglycan C expressed on post synaptic neuronal membranes to promote neural circuit formation in these nuclei.

Free Research Field

小児科