Analysis of biochemical computation and dynamics in neurons.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26830043
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurochemistry/Neuropharmacology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Fujii Hajime 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 助教 (80717546)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: Ca2+シグナル / シナプス可塑性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Understanding how complex neuronal activities and biochemical computation induced by synaptic input in neuronal circuit is fundamental question in neuroscience. To begin to answer that question, direct measurement of biochemical activities in synapses of living neuron is necessary. We developed new probes for measurement of Ca2+ dependent kinase (CaMKII) and Ca2+ dependent phosphatase (calcineurin) activities, which have improved signal to noise ratio. With these new probes, we investigated Ca2+ dependent kinase and phosphatase activities in dendrites and synapses of living neurons during induction phase of synaptic plasticity. Distinct spatial and temporal profiles between the two enzymes was discovered. These results provide new insights into the biochemical computation in neurons and shed new light on how the brain works.

Free Research Field

神経科学