Analysis of brain functions by the detection of molecular changes
| Project/Area Number |
17300104
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Neuroscience in general
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| Research Institution | Kobe University |
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Principal Investigator |
YAMAGUCHI Shun Kobe University, Graduate School of Medicine, Associate Professor, 大学院医学系研究科, 助教授 (70304087)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2005 – 2006
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| Project Status |
Completed (Fiscal Year 2006)
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| Budget Amount *help |
¥14,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥14,300,000)
Fiscal Year 2006: ¥7,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥7,100,000)
Fiscal Year 2005: ¥7,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥7,200,000)
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| Keywords | neuroscience |
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| Research Abstract |
The regulation of gene expression in neurons plays an important role in many brain functions, such as memory, learning, emotion, and circadian rhythm. To monitor the molecular changes in brains, we developed a real-time monitoring system of gene expression in vivo.
In the first step of this study, we developed a fluorescent protein that was degradable but showed a strong fluorescence in mammalian cells. In the next step, we produced transgenic mice that carried the fluorescent protein cDNA under the control of an immediate-early gene promoter (Arc or Zif268 promoter).
A massive expression of the fluorescent reporter was detected in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the striatum in the Arc promoter : reporter transgenic mice. Furthermore, a strong fluorescence was induced in the visual cortex regions by a light stimulation to their eyes. We thinned the skull bone of the transgenic mice by using a micro-grinding machine and covered with clear acrylic dental resin. This treatment enabled us to monitor the changes of the fluorescence intensity, that is, the changes of the Arc gene expression in the cerebral cortex in vivo. We will apply this system to study the mechanisms underlying many brain functions.
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Report
(3 results)
Research Products
(3 results)
