Molecular, Genetic, and Functional Analysis of Synaptic Transmission

Ordway 9514485作为负责控制运动、感知周围环境和意识的器官系统，神经系统必须能够快速处理信息，并在整个生物体中快速传输信息。为了满足这些需求，神经系统由复杂的细胞网络组成，就像计算机中的电子网络一样，这些细胞利用电力进行信息处理和传输。为了让神经系统发挥作用，单个神经细胞必须将电信号传递给网络中的其他神经细胞。这种传递发生在两个神经细胞之间的特殊接触部位，称为突触，通常通过一个复杂的过程进行调节，在这个过程中，电信息被转化为化学信息。化学信号负责通过突触传递信息。了解化学突触传递，从而了解神经细胞发送和接收电信号的机制，对于了解神经系统功能的基本机制是必不可少的。使用功能类似于更复杂的神经系统的简化模型系统，可以更好地理解信息处理。这个简单的模型系统也适用于各种各样的分子遗传学方法，从而使我们能够更有力地了解神经系统的功能。奥德韦博士正在使用一种简化的模型系统来研究一种名为NSF的特定突触蛋白的功能。利用上面提到的分子方法，奥德韦博士正在研究当NSF的功能受到干扰时，NSF在化学突触传递中的功能。神经组织的基本机制在进化过程中一直是保守的，来自简单系统的信息将直接导致更好地了解我们自己的大脑和神经系统的功能。

Ordway 9514485 As the organ system responsible for controlling movements, sensing surroundings, and consciousness, the nervous system must be capable of rapid information processing and rapid transmission of that information throughout the organism. To meet these demands, the nervous system is composed of complex networks of cells which, like electrical networks in computers, use electricity for information processing and transmission. In order for the nervous system to function, individual nerve cells must convey electrical signals to other nerve cells in the network. This transmission occurs at specialized sites of contact between two nerve cells, called synapses and is generally mediated by a complex process where electrical information is converted into chemical information. The chemical signals are responsible for information transfer across the synapse. Understanding chemical synaptic transmission, and thus the mechanisms by which nerve cells can send and receive electrical signals, is essential to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of nervous system function. Using a simplified model system which functions similarly to more complex nervous systems, a better understanding of information processing can be gained. This simple model system is also amenable to a wide variety of molecular genetic approaches allowing even more powerful understanding of nervous system function. Dr. Ordway is using a simplified model system to investigate the function of a specific synaptic protein called NSF. Using the molecular approaches alluded to above, Dr. Ordway is investigating the function of NSF in chemical synaptic transmission when the function of NSF has been perturbed. The basic mechanisms of nervous tissues have been conserved during evolution and information from simpler systems will lead directly to a better understanding of the function of our own brain and nervous system.