Single molecule imaging of nucleic acids in neurons

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25888008
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Physical chemistry
• Research Institution: Osaka University (2014); Kyoto University (2013)
• Principal Investigator: OSAKADA Yasuko 大阪大学, 産業科学研究所, 助教 (00579245)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-08-30 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: イメージング / 核酸 / 神経

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In neurons, mRNA is one of key bio-molecules to regulate their functions and survivals. Previously, the localization of individual mRNAs is demonstrated and their location depends on mRNAs such as dendrite and axonal terminus in neurons. More recently, it is demonstrated that mRNAs travels singly to dendrite compartmentalized in one RNA granule. Actin-filament is one of cytoskeletal proteins and functions important roles in cells as well as neurons. Previously, we reported the importance of actin filament for axon guidance and axonal transport. Then, we wondered whether the mRNA of actin filaments travel into axon and are translated in axon. Here, we hypothesize that the mRNA localize into growth corns to maintain the growth of neurons. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of actin-related mRNA. We conducted in situ single molecule imaging of mRNA with pseudo-total refection fluorescence microscopy.

Free Research Field

光化学