Characterizing Neurotransmitters in Individual Neurons

该项目由伊利诺伊大学的J. Sweedler教授进行，并得到分析和表面化学计划的支持，将开发能够识别和定量来自单细胞的神经肽以及参与细胞过程的神经肽的分析仪器和方法。 该模型系统Aaplasia californica被用来作为一个测试床，以证明这些新的和改进的能力，并阐明肽能传输的基本方面。 基质辅助激光解吸电离质谱法用于成像完整的神经节部分与分子特异性和亚细胞分辨率。 毛细管电泳方法用于分析来自这些系统的亚纳升体积的样品。 电喷雾离子化质谱用于监测在精确控制的刺激条件下单个细胞释放的肽。Sweedler教授将使用先进的分析方法来识别和量化单个神经细胞在刺激下释放的肽，并对这些化合物在细胞内的分布进行成像。 细胞之间的信号传递依赖于这些小肽的释放和摄取。 对模型系统的仔细研究将首次提供对神经脉冲传输基本原理的完整理解。 这个例子可以作为研究更复杂生物体中神经冲动传递的起点。

This project, carried out by Professor J. Sweedler of the University of Illinois, and supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, will develop the analytical instrumentation and methodology capable of identifying and quantifying neuropeptides from single cells, and those neuropeptides involved in cellular processes. The model system Aplysia californica is used as a test bed to demonstrate these new and improved capabilities, and to elucidate the fundamental aspects of peptidergic transmission. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry is used to image intact ganglion sections with molecular specificity and subcellular resolution. Capillary electrophoretic methods are used to analyze sub-nanoliter volumes of samples derived from these systems. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is used to monitor peptide releases from a single cell under precisely controlled stimulation conditions.Professor Sweedler will use advanced analytical methods to identify and quantify the peptides released from individual nerve cells on stimulation, and to image the distribution of these compounds within the cell itself. Signal transmission between cells depends on the release and uptake of these small peptides. Careful study of the model system will provide, for the first time, a complete understanding of the fundamentals of nerve impulse transmission. This example can then be used as a starting point for the study of nerve impulse transmission in more complex organisms.