Molecular and neurophysiological basis of the functional regulation of nociceptive sensory neurons by the BMP signaling pathway

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26890025
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba (2015); National Institute of Genetics (2014)
• Principal Investigator: HONJO Ken 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 特任助教 (50731866)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-08-29 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ショウジョウバエ / 侵害受容 / 痛覚 / BMP

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In my previous study, it has been suggested that the activation of BMP signaling pathway in nociceptive sensory neurons leads to a sensitized nociception. In this study, I established a new imaging method to observe responses of nociceptive sensory neurons in vivo. Using the imaging technique, I found that the neuronal responses to noxious heat was abnormally exaggerated in nociceptive sensory neurons with hyperactive BMP signaling. This result raises the possibility that BMP signaling can be a regulator of nociception which controls it through regulating neurophysiological functions of nociceptive sensory neurons.

Free Research Field

神経行動遺伝学