Conference: Biophysical and Biomechanical Adaptation and Bioinspired Engineering, March 28-30, 2005 at Caltech, Pasadena, CA

神经系统细胞间电脉冲的传递是神经功能的一个基本方面。拟议的研究将探讨这一重要过程背后的分子机制。目前的一个主要挑战是在定义特定蛋白质的特性和相互作用的丰富生化数据与活细胞和组织中运作的内源性分子机制之间建立联系。一个非常有前途的解决方案是荧光共振能量转移（FRET），这是一种强大的成像方法，允许在活细胞中检查蛋白质相互作用。为了充分利用这种方法，本研究将FRET分析与遗传模型系统中可用的实验工具相结合，果蝇。该项目的广泛影响包括为本科生提供高质量的研究经验和教育机会。几名本科生已经积极参与并为这个项目做出了贡献，其中包括两名女性。该项目将为这些学生提供广泛的培训机会，从果蝇遗传学和分子生物学到实时成像。所开发的材料和方法也将整合到团队授课的本科/研究生实验课程中，以提供FRET分析的演示。最后，该项目将包括严格的多学科研究生培训。对这个项目的税收投资将促进我们对大脑功能关键方面的了解，使我们能够更好地理解和控制神经系统疾病的分子机制。此外，这个项目将促进年轻科学家的发展，他们可能在未来引领我们有新的发现。

The transmission of electrical impulses among cells in the nervous system is a fundamental aspect of neural function. The proposed studies will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this important process. A major challenge at present is to make connections between the wealth of biochemical data defining the properties and interactions of specific proteins and the endogenous molecular mechanisms operating in living cells and tissues. A very promising solution is fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), a powerful imaging method allowing protein interactions to be examined in living cells. To take full advantage of this approach, this study combines FRET analysis with the experimental tools available in the genetic model system, Drosophila. Broader impacts of this project include high quality research experiences and educational opportunities for undergraduates. Several undergraduate students have already been actively involved and contributing to this project, including two women. The project will provide broad training opportunities for these students ranging from Drosophila genetics and molecular biology to live imaging. The materials and approaches developed will also be integrated into a team-taught undergraduate/graduate laboratory course to provide a demonstration of FRET analysis. Finally, the project will include rigorous multidisciplinary graduate training.The investment of tax dollars in this project will advance our knowledge of a critical aspect of brain function, allowing us to better understand and control the molecular mechanisms of neurological disease. In addition, this project will promote the development of junior scientists who may lead us to new discoveries in the future.