Diurnal and Developmental Regulation of Neurotransmitter Synthesis

神经系统的一个基本特征是对许多刺激作出反应而改变功能。神经递质是神经系统中负责沟通的分子，因此，神经递质合成的调节是神经修饰的一个重要方面。神经递质合成的短期和长期调节的例子很多，但在许多情况下，潜在的机制还不清楚。酪胺-β-羟基酶是合成昆虫递质章鱼所需的决定性酶。在经历神经系统昼夜和发育变化的昆虫中，章鱼胺和酪胺-β-羟基酶不是静止的，而是在短期和长期周期中变化的。这项研究的目的是在一个简单的模型神经系统中研究这些变化的机制。酪胺-β-羟基酶的分子探针将通过对该酶进行纯化和测序来开发该酶的抗体。其调控的分子基础将通过生化动力学分析、酶活性以及在日循环和发育过程中发生的变化来确定。这些研究的结果将有助于我们理解神经递质合成的调节机制。

A fundamental characteristic of the nervous system is the modification of function in response to a number of stimuli. Neurotransmitters are molecules responsible for communication in the nervous system; therefore, regulation of neurotransmitter synthesis is an important aspect of neural modification. Examples of short- and long-term regulation of neurotransmitter synthesis are numerous, but in many cases the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Tyramine-beta-hydroxylase is the decisive enzyme required for the synthesis of octopamine, a transmitter of insects. In insects that undergo diurnal as well as developmental changes of their nervous system, octopamine and Tyramine-beta-hydroxylase are not static but vary in both short- and long-term cycles. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of these changes in a simple, model nervous system. Molecular probes of Tyramine-beta-hydroxylase will be developed by purifying and sequencing the enzyme for the development of antibodies to the enzyme. The molecular basis of its regulation will be determined by biochemical kinetic analysis, enzyme activity and changes that occur during the diurnal cycle and during development. The results of these studies will contribute to our understanding of the mechanism that regulate neurotransmitter synthesis.