Analysis of molecular mechanisms related to functions of the neuromuscular junction using an in vivo synapse model

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26440080
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biophysics
• Research Institution: University of Hyogo
• Principal Investigator: Miyazawa Atsuo 兵庫県立大学, 生命理学研究科, 教授 (60247252)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 神経筋接合部 / ニコチン性アセチルコリン受容体 / 相関顕微鏡法 / 電子顕微鏡法

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A neuromuscular junction is the place where signals for muscle contraction are transduced from a motor neuron into a muscle fiber. Acetylcholine released from the motor neuron binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the plasma membrane of the muscle fiber, and the muscle will be contracted. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor forms a cluster with various related proteins for efficient signal transduction. However the mechanisms of receptor clustering is still unclear. In this study we analysed the molecular mechanisms of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor clustering using correlative light and electron microscopy.

Free Research Field

神経生物学