SYNAPSE STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

中枢神经系统依赖于一个巨大的相互连接的神经网络 细胞维持生理和行为的动态平衡。沟通 在构成神经元网络的细胞之间是由 化学信使的调节分泌。通过中概述的工作 这一建议，我们希望能更好地了解其分子机制 调节神经递质和神经调质的分泌 终点站。我们的重点是组成关键蛋白的蛋白质 参与突触传递的细胞器，即突触小泡。我们 建议进一步表征特定定位于 突触小泡。通过了解这些因素之间的相互作用 突触小泡蛋白与神经末梢的其他成分，我们 将深入了解特定分子的功能。这个 编码突触小泡蛋白的重组DNA克隆的可用性 使将修饰形式的分子引入细胞成为可能 并研究产生的表型。了解 突触传递的机制，将由实验揭示 在这里提出的，是定义潜在缺陷的关键，这些缺陷给出了 会导致行为障碍。这项研究将有助于预防 精神疾病及其治疗方法的发展 个人。

The central nervous system relies on a vast network of interconnected nerve cells to maintain physiological and behavioral homeostasis. Communication between the cells that comprise neuronal networks is mediated by the regulated secretion of chemical messengers. Through the work outlined in this proposal, we hope to better understand the molecular mechanisms which regulate the secretion of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators from nerve terminals. Our focus is on the proteins which comprise the critical organelle involved in synaptic transmission, the synaptic vesicle. We propose to further characterize molecules specifically localized to synaptic vesicles. Through an understanding of the interactions of these synaptic vesicle proteins with other components of the nerve terminal, we will gain insight into the functions of specific molecules. The availability of recombinant DNA clones encoding synaptic vesicle proteins makes it possible to introduce modified forms of the molecules into cells in culture and to study the resultant phenotypes. Understanding the mechanisms of synaptic transmission, as will be revealed by the experiments proposed here, is critical in defining the underlying defects that give rise to behavioral disorders. This research will aid in the prevention of psychiatric illness and the development of therapies for afflicted individuals.