PILOT PROJECT--SYNAPSIN GENE EXPRESSION AS A BIOMARKER IN DEMENTIA

这种研究方法的长期目标是发展 一种能够评估可塑性潜力变化的分析方法 这可能发生在痴呆和衰老的神经元中。 我们选择了编码神经末梢特异蛋白的基因 突触素作为实验范式。 该项目的具体目标是调查 该基因编码神经末梢特异蛋白的表达 突触素作为实验范式。 该项目的具体目标是调查 该基因在痴呆及老年人正常衰老过程中的表达 中枢神经系统。 需要检验的假设是，突触素基因的检测 表情可以作为变化的敏感指标 神经元的发育状况、成熟度和存活率。 突触素基因的检测技术 在人脑和大鼠脑中的表达情况如下：1)稳定表达的RNA印迹分析。 突触素mRNA的状态水平；2)核流失分析变化 突触素基因转录；3)时空相关性 用原位杂交组织化学方法检测突触素mRNA水平的变化。 大脑皮质关键区域突触连接丧失或受损 大脑可能会产生重要的缺陷，包括记忆缺陷， 认知和行为功能，与阿尔茨海默病相关。 一种能够监测神经元变化的分析方法的建立 可塑性可能有助于洞察这些变化的分子基础。

The long term objective of this research approach is the development of an assay capable of assessing changes in the potential for plasticity that may occur in neurons in demential and aging. We have chosen the gene encoding the nerve terminal-specific protein synapsin as the experimental paradigm. The specific aim of the project is the investigation of changes in the expression of this gene encoding the nerve terminal-specific protein synapsin as the experimental paradigm. The specific aim of the project is the investigation of changes in the expression of this gene in dementia and during normal aging of the central nervous system. The hypothesis to be tested is whether assays of synapsin gene expressing can be used as sensitive indicators of changes in the developmental status, maturation and viability of neurons. The techniques to be employed for the assessment of synapsin gene expression in human and rat brain are: 1) RNA blot analysis of steady- state levels of synapsin mRNA; 2) nuclear run-off assay of changes in synapsin gene transcription; 3) correlation of temporal and spatial changes in synapsin mRNA levels by in situ hybridization histochemistry. The loss or impairment of synaptic connections in critical areas of the brain may produce important deficits, including those of memory, cognitive and behavioral function, associated with Alzheimer's Disease. The establishment of an assay capable of monitoring changes in neuronal plasticity may yield insight into the molecular basis of these changes.