Imaging of Ca2+ and related signaling molecules and investigation of their functions in the brain.
Intracellular Ca(2+) signaling, and related mechanisms involving inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), nitric oxide, and the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, play a major role in the regulation of cellular function in the brain. Due to the complex morphology of central neurons, the correct spatiotemporal distribution of signaling molecules is essential. Thus, imaging studies have been particularly useful in elucidating the functions of these signaling molecules. The advancement of imaging methods, together with the development of a new method for the specific inhibition of intracellular IP(3) signaling, have made it possible to identify pathways that are regulated by Ca(2+) signals in the brain, including Ca(2+)-dependent synaptic maintenance and glial cell-dependent neurite growth. Further investigation of Ca(2+)-related signaling is expected to increase our understanding of brain function in the future.
Okubo
Yohei
Y
Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Kanemaru
Kazunori
K
Iino
Masamitsu
M
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D003712:Dendrites / Q000378:metabolism; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
D015820:Cadherins; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C492973:alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid subtype glutamate receptor, human; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate