Molecular mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of emotional behaviors

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25640033
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurochemistry/Neuropharmacology
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: NAKAZAWA Takanobu 大阪大学, 薬学研究科(研究院), 特任准教授 (00447335)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: マイクロRNA / 報酬系 / 情動 / 薬物依存 / モデルマウス / シグナル伝達 / 不妊 / 遺伝子欠損マウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

miRNAs are highly expressed in the central nervous system, however, their roles in higher brain functions remain unclear. In this study, using the cocaine-induced microRNA knockout mice, I examined the function of the miRNA in emotional behaviors and its associated molecular mechanisms. In addition to reward system, I found that the knockout mice exhibited abnormal emotional behaviors in the elevated plus maze test and forced swim test. Using microarray methods, I also found that the miRNA-mediated regulation of Rho-kinase was involved in these behavioral abnormalities. Interestingly, Src kinase and integrin-mediated pathway regulated the expression of the miRNA. Taken together, Rho-kinase and Src-kinase/integrin-mediated signaling pathways are important for the cocaine-induced miRNA-mediated regulation of emotional behaviors. In addition, female infertility was found in the miRNA knockout mice.

Free Research Field

分子神経科学