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

这种研究方法的长期目标是发展 能够评估可塑性潜力变化的测定 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性蛋白的基因 突触蛋白作为实验范例。 该项目的具体目标是调查 编码神经末端特异性蛋白的该基因的表达 突触蛋白作为实验范例。 该项目的具体目标是调查 该基因在痴呆和正常衰老过程中的表达， 中枢神经系统 有待检验的假设是， 表达可以用作变化的敏感指标， 神经元的发育状态、成熟和活力。 突触素基因检测技术 在人和大鼠脑中的表达是：1）RNA印迹分析稳定的- 突触素mRNA水平; 2）细胞核径流分析， 突触素基因转录; 3）时间和空间相关性 原位杂交组织化学法检测突触素mRNA水平的变化。 神经元关键区域突触连接的丧失或损伤， 大脑可能会产生重要的缺陷，包括记忆， 认知和行为功能，与阿尔茨海默病有关。 建立一种能够监测神经元变化的检测方法， 可塑性可以使我们深入了解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.