Molecular mechanism of synaptic plasticity

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Synaptic plasticity is considered to be a fundamental mechanism of memory and learning. In this project, more than 140 scientists with different disciplines have worked to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its biological significance. Many important molecules (glutamate receptor channels, protein kinases, receptors for lipid mediators, small GTP binding proteins etc) were cloned by these members, and their genetically deficient mice were established. By backcrossing, most mice are now congenic for more strict analyses. Using these mice, we found that NMDA receptors and protein kinases C are important for synaptic plasticity as well as synaptic maturation. Lipid mediators (prostaglandin, leukotrienes, PAF), small G-proteins are also involved in plasticity and neuronal cell migration. Using subtraction technology and others, we found various LTP or LTD-induced genes, and ther functions are currently under investigations.