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

神经系统中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建立定义特定蛋白质的性质和相互作用的丰富的生化数据与活细胞和组织中的内源性分子机制之间的联系。一个非常有希望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，可以在活细胞中检测蛋白质的相互作用。为了充分利用这一方法，本研究将FRET分析与遗传模型系统果蝇中可用的实验工具相结合。该项目的更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从果蝇遗传学和分子生物学到活体成像的广泛培训机会。开发的材料和方法还将被整合到团队授课的本科生/研究生实验室课程中，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。在这个项目上的税收投资将促进我们对大脑功能的一个关键方面的了解，使我们能够更好地了解和控制神经疾病的分子机制。此外，该项目将促进初级科学家的发展，他们可能会带领我们在未来获得新的发现。

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.