Nuclear Mechanisms of the Regulation of Tyrosine HydroxylaseGene in Adrenal Medullary Cells

神经系统的主要功能是帮助生物体 适应外部和内部条件，通过生成 适当的适应性反应。 适应的一个主要原因是， 神经系统，是由于生物合成的变化， 神经传递素，负责通讯的化学物质 在神经细胞之间。 这些效果是通过 基因活性的改变，这些基因活性特异性地表达在 控制神经递质生物合成的神经元。 这 研究项目将集中在酪氨酸的调节， 羟化酶（TH）基因，负责合成 儿茶酚胺能神经递质 机制通过 哪些环境和内部信号引起适应性变化 在神经基因表达中的作用是未知的。 以前的研究 由PI进行的指示信号可以传达给 TH基因通过刺激两种类型的受体， 乙酰胆碱受体和激素血管紧张素II。 的PI 将决定神经和荷尔蒙信号是否激活， 调节基因表达的后期阶段，如加工和 基因产物的成熟。 TH基因的区域， 神经和激素信号刺激的神经系统。 该基因与许多基本功能有关， 神经系统，包括学习、调节、情绪控制和 动机 这项研究提供了一个模型来探索这些 在分子水平上控制功能。

A primary function of the nervous system is to help organisms adapt to external and internal conditions, by generating the appropriate adaptive response. A major cause for adaptation, in the nervous system, is due to changes in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals responsible for communication between nerve cells. These effects are accomplished through alterations in gene activity which are expressed specifically in neurons controlling the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters. This research project will focus on the regulation of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene, the gene responsible for the synthesis of catecholaminergic neurotransmitters. The mechanisms through which environmental and internal signals induce adaptive changes in the expression of neural genes are unknown. Previous studies conducted by the PI indicate that signals may be conveyed to the TH gene through the stimulation of two types of receptors, the acetylcholine receptor and the hormone, angiotensin II. The PI will determine whether neural and hormonal signals activate and regulate later stages of gene expression such as processing and maturation of gene products. Regions of the TH gene that are stimulated by neural and hormonal signals will be identified. This gene has been linked to many fundamental functions of the nervous system including learning, regulation, mood control and motivation. This research offers a model to explore how these functions are controlled at the molecular level.