Characterization of an atypical vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT3): vesicular synergy and point mutation

非典型囊泡谷氨酸转运蛋白 (VGLUT3) 的表征：囊泡协同作用和点突变

• 批准号: 386431-2012
• 负责人: ElMestikawy, Salah
• 金额: $ 2.04万
• 依托单位: McGill University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=572957
• 关键词: Characterization; atypical; vesicular; glutamate; transporter

To communicate with each other, neurons of the nervous system use a combination of electrical signals and chemical messengers. These messengers, called neurotransmitters are released and reuptaken by neurons. Among brain neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (or 5-HT) are quite well known. These two modulatory systems are involved in numerous brain functions such as, locomotor activity, reward learning behavior, memory and mood regulation. Neurons using ACh and 5-HT have long been believed to release only one neurotransmitter. We recently made the surprising discovery that they can also use another neurotransmitter: glutamate. In this context, the main purpose of our research program is to better understand how, when and where neurons become "bilingual". Our study of glutamate as a potential regulator of the transmission of ACh or 5HT neurons could lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying brain neurotransmission.

为了相互交流，神经系统的神经元使用电信号和化学信使的组合。这些被称为神经递质的信使被神经元释放和重新摄取。在脑神经递质中，乙酰胆碱（ACh）和5-羟色胺（或5-HT）是相当熟知的。这两个调节系统参与了许多脑功能，如运动活动，奖励学习行为，记忆和情绪调节。使用ACh和5-HT的神经元长期以来被认为只释放一种神经递质。我们最近有了一个令人惊讶的发现，他们也可以使用另一种神经递质：谷氨酸。在这种背景下，我们研究计划的主要目的是更好地了解神经元如何，何时以及在何处变得“双语”。我们的研究谷氨酸作为一个潜在的调节ACh或5 HT神经元的传输可能会导致更好地了解脑神经传递的分子机制。