Molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF-regulated dendrite branching

为了使神经元正常发挥功能，神经元必须有正确数量的输入中心或树突，它们看起来像树上的树枝。 然而，目前对这些分支的模式是如何确定的知之甚少。 这个项目的目标是确定如何在全球和局部的树突分支的变化发生。 主要研究者和她的学生将利用分子生物学，生物化学和神经元细胞培养来研究脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）的信号传导，BDNF是树突分支的主要调节因子。 首先，他们将评估BDNF对神经元的管理如何改变树突的整体形状和细胞体的不同区域。 第二，将神经元暴露于BDNF包被的乳胶珠以模拟局部刺激，并将这种治疗引起的树突分支变化与整体BDNF治疗引起的树突分支变化进行比较。 第三，他们将使用药物和分子技术来鉴定负责BDNF作用的蛋白质。 这些研究很重要，因为它们将提供有关树突分支在发育过程中如何调节以产生功能性大脑的信息。 这项研究的影响是深远的。 进行实验不仅将促进我们对树突形态如何调节的理解，而且还将成为培养高中生、本科生和研究生神经科学前沿技术的计划的一部分。 该项目涉及为利比里亚大学的本科生和硕士生设立一个交流项目，以便他们能够在Firestein实验室进行夏季研究。 一个主要目标是建立一个国际计划，通过研讨会，讲习班和交流计划将神经科学带到利比里亚大学社区。 这个项目将帮助教育一个面临全球冲突的国家的人民。

For proper neuronal function to occur, the neuron must have the correct number of input centers, or dendrites, which look like branches on a tree. However, very little is currently known about how the pattern of these branches is determined. The goal of this project is to identify how both global and local changes in dendrite branching occurs. The Principal Investigator and her students will make use of molecular biology, biochemistry, and neuronal cell culture to study signaling by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a major regulator of dendrite branching. First, they will assess how administration of BDNF to neurons changes the shape of the dendrites overall and at distinct regions from the cell body. Second, neurons will be exposed to BDNF-coated latex beads to mimic local stimulation, and changes in the dendrite branching by this treatment will be compared to those that occur with global BDNF treatment. Third, they will use drugs and molecular techniques to identify the proteins that are responsible for the effects of BDNF. These studies are important because they will provide information on how dendrite branching is regulated during development to yield a functional brain. The impact of this research is far-reaching. Conducting the experiments will not only advance our understanding of how dendrite morphology is regulated but will also be part of a program to train high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in cutting-edge techniques in neuroscience. The project involves setting up an exchange program for undergraduate and Masters students at the University of Liberia so that they can perform summer research in the Firestein laboratory. A major goal is to establish an international program to bring neuroscience to the University of Liberia community through seminars, workshops, and exchange programs. This program will help educate people in a country facing global conflict.